Brazilian winger Gabriel Martinelli has penned an emotional farewell message to Arsenal fans after completing his transfer to Saudi Arabian club Al Hilal.
He joined the Gunners as an 18-year-old from Brazilian club Ituano in 2019, and he spent seven years in North London, where he became a fan favourite.
Martinelli scored crucial goals for the Gunners in his 98 goal contributions (62 goals and 36 assists) across 278 appearances in all competitions.
His contributions also guided the North London outfit to win the FA Cup, the Community Shield, and, most importantly, the Premier League for the first time since 2004.
MARTINELLI'S EMOTIONAL MESSAGE
"The day has come, and honestly, I still don’t feel ready to write a goodbye, but I’ll try," Martinelli wrote on Instagram.
"When I arrived here, seven years ago, I was just a boy who had only recently turned 18. In my heart, I thought I would stay forever. But life is constantly changing, and sometimes our paths take us in directions different from the ones we had planned.
"Will we ever become champions? Will I adapt to a new club, a new country, a new culture? Will I ever score in the Champions League? Will I score important goals? Will I have the opportunity to play in the Olympics? World Cup? And imagine, scoring at a World Cup?
"Those were all the thoughts going through 18 year old Gabriel’s mind. And yes, we did it.
"We became FA Cup champions, Community Shield and finally achieved the one we had waited so long for, becoming Premier League champions.
"With Brazil, I won an Olympic gold medal, played in two World Cups, and scored a very special goal. And here, with Arsenal, I reached 98 goal contributions.
"I’ve spent seven years at this club. I feel like an adopted Hale End boy, you could say. I found a family that took care of me and watched me grow throughout all these years.
"I can only thank the staff and my teammates. Thank you to the chefs, kit staff, doctors, doormen, security staff, media team, cleaning staff, physios, and every single teammate who has been part of my story from 2019 until today. Thank you to everyone who helped me grow during this journey.
"And to the fans, thank you for everything. Since my first day, you made me feel at home. Every time I stepped on the pitch, despite everything, I tried to give everything I had for this shirt.
"To Arsenal, thank you for believing in me and giving me the chance to show myself to the world.
"Most of all, I want to thank my family and my wife, who have been by my side throughout this entire journey, giving me all the emotional support I needed to overcome the challenges that only we truly know.
"It has been a long journey, too much history and now it has come to an end. I’m writing this with tears in my eyes, so hard to put 7 years into words.
"From 35 to 11. Once a Gunner, Always a Gunner. Goodbye, and thank you again."
WHAT NEXT FOR MARTINELLI IN SAUDI ARABIA
Martinelli will be joining familiar Premier League opponents in Simone Inzaghi's Al Hilal set-up.
They include former Aston Villa star Ollie Watkins, ex-West Ham winger Crysencio Summerville and former Chelsea centre-back Kalidou Koulibaly.
Martinelli signed a four-year contract at Al Hilal that will keep him at the club until at least 2030, and his new wages are reportedly higher than £180,000 per week at Arsenal.
Al Hilal are joint leaders in the Saudi Pro League alongside Cristiano Ronaldo's Al Nassr, with both clubs still unbeaten after playing four matches each.
