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Mohamed Elneny has revealed he ‘refused’ to take part in the full lap of honour on the final day of the season as he was too ’emotional’ over his departure from Arsenal.
Elneny, who arrived at the Emirates Stadium in 2016, was one of 22 players Arsenal confirmed was leaving the club on Monday.
The Egyptian midfielder made over 150 appearances for Arsenal and while his influence diminished over the last two seasons, he remained a popular figure in the dressing room.
Elneny says his eight years at Arsenal were the ‘best of his life’ and could not take part in the full lap of honour because he was ‘full of emotion’ over his impending departure.
The Arsenal squad did a lap of the pitch at the Emirates Stadium following a final-day victory over Everton. That win kept their Premier League titles chances alive but Manchester City beat West Ham to clinch a fourth successive title.
‘It’s meant a lot to me being here for so long, it was the best eight years of my life,’ Elneny told Arsenal’s official website. ‘I love this club so much, I love the fans, I love everything about Arsenal.
‘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. But that’s life, my time here has come to an end and I’m very proud of what I’ve done for this club.
‘I love these fans and I gave everything that I had. 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.’
Arsenal legend Arsene Wenger was responsible for bringing Elneny to north London in 2016, the German signed from Swiss side Basel for around £6m.
His long service to Arsenal means he played both with and under current Gunners boss Mikel Arteta.
‘I played with Mikel for six months before he retired and became a coach,’ Elneny added. ‘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.
‘When he was playing he was clever, and then he’s had so many good coaches he got to work with. You could see his leadership and that he could be something special.
‘I’ve never seen a group of players like this. 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.
‘We’re going to be friends forever. 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.’
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