Kieran Tierney’s time at Arsenal is up as the defender prepares to reconnect with his boyhood club, Celtic.
The left-back was a model professional during his stint of almost six years at the Emirates, playing under both Unai Emery and Mikel Arteta.
Though Arsenal announced their list of departures four days into the summer transfer window, Tierney’s exit has been common knowledge for some time.
Tierney will sign for Celtic to return to the club of his heart after a testing but admirable tenure at the Emirates.
Kieran Tierney says goodbye to Arsenal as transfer confirmed
What better way for Tierney to say goodbye to Arsenal than by scoring on his final appearance for the Gunners?
The Scotland international doubled down on his farewell to fans by saying a final goodbye when speaking to Arsenal’s official website after the clash against Southampton.
“Just thank you for everything from day one. They supported us through the good times and the bad, and they supported me through some hard times as well,” Tierney said.
The defender went on to single out what he’s ‘most grateful for’ from his time in N5, piling praise on supporters for sticking by him during a turbulent time with injuries.
“I think that’s what I’m most grateful for, the times where it wasn’t so good or so easy for me is when they probably supported me most, so I’m just very grateful and I feel very lucky to have the support from them.”
There are few players loved more than Tierney at Arsenal, which is a surprise to some given how little the Scotsman has been in action since signing.
Still, the 27-year-old leaves with his head held high, insisting that he feels ‘so lucky’ to have represented Arsenal for almost six years.
“I feel so lucky that I’ve played for this club, and the love that the supporters have given me has been amazing. I’ve loved every day here and I’ve learned so much, I’ve improved so much and I just feel very lucky.”
Tierney will be missed at Arsenal
Tierney wanted to score on his last appearance for Arsenal, which is what he told Arteta before the Gunners’ final-day win at St Mary’s.
The Scotland international’s spirit is what has him adored so much at the Emirates, and is why he will be missed so dearly around North London.
It’s been an almighty fight for the full-back at Arsenal, but ultimately, injuries and Arteta’s change in demand from his wide defenders got the better of him.
A new chapter awaits Tierney with Celtic, where he will return to paradise to receive the love and appreciation Arsenal fans have maintained over the years.
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