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Declan Rice sends four-word message to Arsenal stars reacting to Eddie Nketiah’s departure

Posted on by angelo
Declan Rice sends four-word message to Arsenal stars reacting to Eddie Nketiah’s departure

Arsenal left some business unfinished but confirmed the departure of striker Eddie Nketiah in the final hours of the transfer deadline.

Nketiah joined Arsenal’s academy in 2015 and has been one of Hale End’s brightest stars as he progressed into the first team.

The forward has made 168 appearances for Arsenal since his debut in 2017, and Nketiah has scored 38 goals, including some crucial strikes, but he has fallen down the pecking order as Kai Havertz has adapted to a centre-forward role.

Nketiah joined Crystal Palace for an initial fee of £25m, which could rise to £30m. It was the right time for the 25-year-old to leave to return to the first team, but he was a popular figure among his team-mates, who have now paid tribute to him.

Eddie Nketiah of Arsenal warms up on the touchline during the Premier League match between Aston Villa FC and Arsenal FC at Villa Park on August 24...
Photo by Alex Burstow/Arsenal FC via Getty Images

Eddie Nketiah bids emotional farewell after Arsenal departure

Nketiah posted an emotional farewell message on his Instagram account after leaving his boyhood club, and many Arsenal stars responded.

“Thank you Arsenal,” he posted.

“As I say goodbye, I want to take this moment to thank everyone at the club, from my team-mates to all the wonderful staff who have been part of my journey and made this place their home for so many years.

“I achieved my dream of going from Hale End to the first team. It taught me what it means to play for the club and what a privilege it is to wear this shirt. I never took it for granted and gave my best every time I stepped on the pitch.

“From my first first-team goal against Norwich in 2017, to my 100+ appearances for Arsenal, I have created memories here that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

“I am grateful to have felt your support and will cherish the memories we have created.

Arsenal stars pay tribute to Eddie Nketiah

Several Arsenal stars have responded to Nketiah’s farewell, and all are eager to see him succeed at Crystal Palace.

“My brother,” Reiss Nelson commented.

“Good luck, brother,” replied Leandro Trossard.

“I’ll miss you, brother,” replied Declan Rice, the pair having grown up together in the Chelsea academy as youngsters.

“My man, I wish you the best my brother,” commented former Arsenal defender Cedric Soares.

“He treated me like his brother from day one,” Jurrien Timber posted on his own Instagram story about Nketiah.

Nketiah has been a good servant to Arsenal, and his former team-mates will hope he can establish himself as a key player at Crystal Palace.

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