Elneny Departs Arsenal After Eight Seasons
Egyptian midfielder Mohamed Elneny said goodbye to the London club after the club confirmed his departure on Monday. Elneny, who arrived at the Emirates in 2016, made over 150 appearances for the Gunners.
Elneny expressed his deep affection for the club. “It’s meant a lot to me being here for so long, it was the best eight years of my life,” he told Arsenal’s official website. “I love this club so much, I love the fans, I love everything about Arsenal.”
He also revealed his emotional state on the final day when the squad did a lap of honor after their win over Everton. “It breaks my heart – that’s why I refused to take to the field [on the lap of honour] because I was so full of emotion,” Elneny admitted.
Fond Memories and Looking Ahead
Elneny highlighted the positive aspects of his time at Arsenal. “I love these fans and I gave everything that I had,” he said. “I appreciate everything they did for me, in the good moments and the bad, and they’re always going to be in my heart forever.”
The midfielder also spoke about his relationship with manager Mikel Arteta, under whom he played and later learned from as a coach. “I played with Mikel for six months before he retired and became a coach,” Elneny said. “I enjoyed playing with him and him coaching me because I learned so much from him. I appreciate everything he has done for me and this football club.”
Elneny praised the team spirit at the club. “I’ve never seen a group of players like this,” he said. “Everyone supports each other and loves each other, and works as a family. I’m going to miss them, they’ve been my friends for so long.”
Looking ahead, Elneny assured his continued support for the club. “We’re going to be friends forever,” he said. “I’m going to be supporting them now in front of the TV and sometimes I’m going to come to the stadium to watch them. I’m sure they’ll have an amazing year next year as well because they deserve it.”
