Man United goalkeeping prospect, 16, posts emotional message after leaving club for Bilbao

Manchester United goalkeeping prospect Darlington Osuchukwu has joined Athletic Bilbao.

Daily Mail Sport reported last month that the 16-year-old had left United and was returning to Spain for family reasons.

Osuchukwu, who moved to Manchester from Spanish side Gazte Berriak, near Pamplona, when he was 13 years old, was tipped for a bright future having received call-ups for England U16s and Spain over the past year.

Last season, he was on the bench a number of times for the U18s and was part of the squad that won the U16 Premier Shield. He had also been invited to train with United’s first team squad.

Barcelona and Reims held interest but with the youngster’s family keen to return to the Basque region, Bilbao was the favoured choice.

Posting on Instagram, he wrote: ‘After four unforgettable years at this incredible club, I have made the incredibly difficult decision to move on and embrace a new challenge. This was not a decision my family and I took lightly. While I was grateful to be given the opportunity to continue my journey here, we believe the time is right to begin a new chapter.

‘It is impossible to put into words how much this club has meant to me. I want to thank everyone at Manchester United—and I truly mean everyone. From the coaches who believed in me, to the kitmen who worked tirelessly behind the scenes, and especially my team-mates, who became so much more than teammates—they became my brothers.

‘Every one of you has played a part in shaping not only the footballer I am today, but also the person I have become. The lessons, values, friendships, and memories I have gained here will stay with me for the rest of my life.

‘I also want to thank the club for believing in me and giving me the opportunity to wear this badge. Representing Manchester United has been one of the greatest privileges of my young career, and something I will always be proud of.

‘Although I am moving on, Manchester United will always hold a special place in my heart. I leave with nothing but gratitude, respect, and memories that I will cherish forever. Thank you for everything.’