The player says his connection with a north London club is not over just because he is away after nearly eight years.
Mesut Ozil says he will be a “Gunner for life” after leaving Arsenal to join Fenerbahce.
The free transfer of a midfielder to the Turkish giants was confirmed on Sunday.
Over nearly eight years with the Premier League side, Ozil has won the FA Cup four times and made 254 appearances in all competitions.
The 32-year-old has been frozen out of Arsenal’s squad this season, but said in a long-open letter posted on social media that he will always support the club.
“It feels strange to write this message after such a long time here in London. From the moment I arrived, it has felt like home,” he wrote. “I was greeted with open arms by all the Arsenal staff, my teammates, and importantly the amazing fans. I will always be grateful for the trust that Arsene Wenger put in me in September. 2013.
“I’ve grown up as an adult in north London, a place I can always call home. I’ll never forget that.
“Being with Arsenal for so long has meant that I have experienced a great mix of relegations. With over 250 games, 44 goals and 71 assists later on, it ‘s time to Arsenal and I are finally part ways.
“Together we ended the club’s nine-year tenure and returned cash back to the fans it deserved.
Thank you, Gunners! ❤️ #YaGunnersYa pic.twitter.com/lkVI2qHC6X
– Mesut Özil (@ MesutOzil1088) January 24, 2021
“I find it hard to put into words the love I feel for this club and the fans. How could I describe eight years of gratitude in one letter? I may no longer be playing for the club, I will continue to support them in every game they play, I will be a Gunner for life – no doubt about that.
“Now more than ever we all have to be behind the team. This is a very difficult season for every team in the Premier League, which is why we all need to support the team. squad and regular staff regardless of the results.
“For me, it’s amazing to see some of the boys from Hale End come through to the first team. As we all know, they are the future of our club and I wish them every success. !
“Hearing my name change around Emirates Stadium will give me goosebumps forever, and the memories I made will wear this jersey with me for the rest of my life. Much has been written about me. time at Arsenal, especially in recent months.
“Arsenal is a club of class and reputation, something I felt every time I walked the pitch. Players, staff and management are always on hand. coming and going – but the values and fans of the club will live on forever.
“The principles of class, respect and dignity should never be forgotten. It is up to everyone from the club to make sure they do their job in the name of these values.
“Like I said, the last few months have not been so easy. Like all players, I want to play every minute of football for my team. In life though -that, things don’t always play out as we expect or want, but it’s important to look for the positive things in life and not the negative , which is why I try to live without remorse and without complaining at all.
“Being at Arsenal was more than just football, it was about community. As I tried to help on the pitch, I tried to be part of the London community as much as possible. I can too.
“North London introduced me as one of its own, and each season I embarked on a different project to bring joy to this amazing community. Although I could leave North London, that won’t stop.
“It may be the end of a chapter, but my connection with this amazing club will never go away. There may be a farewell for now, but it’s not very goodbye forever.”