Mohamed Elneny confirms Arsenal exit in heartfelt message to fans: ‘You will be in my heart forever’

Mohamed Elneny, Arsenal’s current longest-serving player, has confirmed he will leave the club this summer after eight and a half years.

The Egyptian midfielder, 31, has resided in north London since 2016 but will officially bid farewell to the Gunners when his contract expires at the end of the season.

In a heartfelt video addressed to Arsenal fans on social media, Elneny said on Friday: “Gooners, I am here today to send you a message, to say goodbye and thank you for everything you have done for Me.

“Love, support and kindness. I will truly miss you so much and you will be in my heart forever.

“I wanted to tell you how much I love you and how much you mean to me. I will never forget the way you supported me.

“I will see you on Sunday in the Emirates to say goodbye face to face, see you then.”

Elneny arrived at Arsène Wenger’s Arsenal from Swiss club FC Basel for a fee of £5 million in January 2016, before making 161 appearances for the club in all competitions.

Still a popular figure at the Emirates, although his playing time has decreased considerably, he has notably suffered from injuries in recent seasons and was granted a new one-year contract extension last February, despite a serious knee problem. 2022/23 campaign.

This season, Elneny has played just six times for Mikel Arteta’s title contenders, making just three appearances as a substitute in the Premier League and none since a very late cameo in the 4-1 home win over Newcastle on February 24.

His only start this season came in the Champions League in December, when he played 62 minutes in a much-changed Arsenal side that drew 1-1 away to Dutch giants PSV Eindhoven with progression towards the round of 16 already assured.

Elneny will have the opportunity to say goodbye to Arsenal fans on Sunday, when they host Everton on the final day of the Premier League season, hoping for a win and a mistake from the leaders and champions reigning Manchester City at home against West Ham. see them claim a first title in two decades.