Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard was joined by his teammates in wishing Granit Xhaka farewell following his £21.5million transfer to Bayer Leverkusen. The Swiss midfielder had plenty of ups and downs during his seven-year spell at the Emirates Stadium but ended his time with the Gunners on a high.
Xhaka enjoyed an excellent 2022/23 campaign with Arsenal - netting seven goals and providing a further seven assists in the Premier League. However, the Switzerland international wanted to try a fresh challenge as he returns to the Bundesliga after winning two FA Cups and two FA Community Shields with the north Londoners.
Xhaka posted a goodbye message to Arsenal fans on Thursday as his move to Leverkusen was confirmed by the Gunners. Writing on Instagram, the 30-year-old said: "Gunners, it's been some journey - and all that's left is for me to say thank you.
"I've spent seven years at Arsenal. The club has become such an important part of my life - and it's not easy to leave, but now is the right time for a new adventure.
"There are so many people I need to thank - the managers I played for, all my team-mates and the staff behind the scenes. And I especially want to thank all of you.
"Everyone knows we've been through some tough times. But we came through them together - and I'll never ever forget the feeling I had each time we won the FA Cup or whenever I heard you singing my name.
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"Pure goosebumps! I will always carry Arsenal in my heart. Once a Gunner, always a Gunner. Thank you."
Xhaka's exit led to many of his Arsenal teammates wishing him a sad farewell as he leaves the Emirates Stadium as a cult hero. Both Odegaard and Oleksandr Zinchenko responded the same way to the 30-year-old's exit: "Legend!"
Emile Smith Rowe took to his Instagram Story to send a message to the departing Xhaka. The Hale End graduate wrote: "All the best bro *crying emoji* *heart emoji*."
Arsenal look set to complete the £105million signing of West Ham United captain Declan Rice this week. The England international is undergoing medical tests today and will come into Mikel Arteta's squad as a world-class replacement for Xhaka.
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