West Cumbrian Dean Henderson has joined Crystal Palace for £15 million on a long-term deal.
It ends a series of loan arrangements which have largely been the price he has had to pay for being deputy to David de Gea at Manchester United.
In fact over the last eight years Henderson has had six loans with Stockport County, Grimsby Town, Shrewsbury Town, Sheffield United and twice at Notts Forest.
Henderson told the Palace website: “I’m absolutely delighted to be here. I can’t wait to get started.
“This club has got great fans and has a lot of top players who are hungry to succeed. There’s something being built here, and I really want to be a part of it.”
But he also had a message for the United fans on social media which read: “Saying goodbye to United is an emotional moment for me. This club has been a part of my life since I was a kid.
“From growing up as a United fan, to joining the academy aged 14, to stepping out on the pitch at Old Trafford!
“The journey has been a dream come true and I feel very blessed and fortunate to have fulfilled that dream.
“I want to express my deepest gratitude to everyone in the club who believed in my potential and helped shape my career.
“To everyone in the academy, my teammates, my family, the managers and the backroom staff, your guidance and support has helped me become the player and man I am today.
“And to the fans – your support has meant the world to my family and I. I’ve been United since I was a kid, and being able to wear the United badge on my chest has been an honour beyond words.
“I never took for granted the responsibility that came with wearing the shirt. We’ve had some highs and lows but I want to thank all of you for sticking by me throughout.
“Thank you for the memories and I wish the club all the very best for the future. United.”
Henderson started his career as a raw youngster at Carlisle United before joining Man United in 2011.
