Joshua Zirkzee has shared an emotional message to his former club Bologna after finalising his transfer to Manchester United on Sunday afternoon.

Zirkzee played a key role in Bologna’s fifth-place finish in Serie A last season, securing their qualification for the Champions League group stages.

The 23-year-old scored 12 goals and provided seven assists across all competitions for the Italian side.

United had prioritised bringing in a new attacker this summer to support Rasmus Hojlund, who had a mixed debut season at Old Trafford.

The Dutch international signed a five-year contract with the Red Devils this weekend, becoming the first addition to Erik ten Hag‘s squad ahead of the 2024-25 season.

Shortly after confirmation of his move to the Premier League, Zirkzee took to Instagram to deliver a heartfelt farewell to his former club and its fans.

He wrote: “Grazie, rossoblu. I can’t really find the words to explain how much you all mean to me. The stadium, the city, this team, but especially the PEOPLE will always have a special place in my heart.

“I hope, that for all the support and trust that you gave me, I have given something back in return. Bologna is finally where it belongs and I will support and cheer for you from a distance! Ti Amo [I love you], Bolo. Forever.”

In response, the Serie A outfit responded: “Thanks Joshua and good luck with your career: we will never forget these emotions.”

Bologna signed Zirkzee from Bayern Munich in 2022, and he went on to score 14 goals in 58 appearances for the Italian club.

The Red Devils agreed to pay £36.5m to sign the 23-year-old, which was £2.2m more than his contracted release clause.

The fee will be paid in instalments over three years, rather than as a single lump sum, which would have been required with the originally set release clause.

In an interview with the media, the Dutch international expressed his delight to be joining the Premier League giants. He said: “Having had discussions with the manager and the leaders of the club I know how exciting the future is going to be here and I cannot wait to play my part in achieving success for Manchester United. I am a player who has always dedicated everything to winning.”

“I’m ready for this next challenge, to go to another level in my career and win more trophies. It is a privilege to join such an iconic club. I have to take a short break now after being with the national team, but I’ll be coming back ready to make an impact straight away.”

Zirkzee’s arrival also marks United’s first player acquisition under the leadership of controlling co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his newly appointed sporting director Dan Ashworth.