HECTOR BELLERIN has posted an emotional farewell message to Arsenal fans after rejoining childhood club Barcelona on a free transfer.
Bellerin, 27, made a late switch back to the Nou Camp on transfer deadline day – 11 years after leaving Barca for Arsenal in 2011.
The Gunners agreed to terminate the right-back’s contract so he could complete his dream move.
And the three-time FA Cup winner can now start afresh in his hometown after spending last season on loan with Copa del Rey winners Real Betis.
Bellerin became a firm favourite at the Emirates after playing 239 times for Arsenal.
And the four-time Spain international posted a tearful farewell message to supporters on social media after his Barcelona return was confirmed.
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Bellerin, who is on a one-year contract at the Nou Camp, said: “Hello Gunners. Feels like it was only a couple of years ago when I touched down in London for the very first time.
“From day one I truly felt at home and I’ve said time and time again how this city has shaped me into who I am, and how much I owe it.
“It’s with a lot of sadness that today I say goodbye to this club, the fans, the staff, the players and our family all together.
“There’s been highs, so high, and lows, so low, but I’ve enjoyed thoroughly every single experience I’ve lived with you Gunners.
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“It’s not always been easy being an Arsenal player these past 11 years, but it’s always been an honour to carry the weight of this badge and defend it almost 250 times in front of you all.
“I want to thank Arsene, Francis, the late Steve Rowley, Steve Bould, Neil Banfield, Unai Emery, Freddie Ljungberg and Mikel.
“Thank you to the staff who work tirelessly for us to have it all ready when we step onto the pitch.
“Physios, conditioning coaches, doctors, chefs, kit men, cleaners, security, and everyone else who is a part of this family.
“Thank you to the players who have made my time here unforgettable.
Thank you for your continued support throughout all these years
Hector Bellerin
“And most importantly, thank you Gunners, thank you for your continued support throughout all these years, for how supportive you were in the good and the bad, for how enjoyable it’s been to play in this beautiful stadium and for sharing together every single step of this journey of mine.
“With the sadness of a goodbye, but the excitement of a new beginning, I say to you all THANK YOU. Once a Gunner, always a Gunner.”
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta paid tribute to Bellerin in a statement on Arsenal’s official website.
He said: “We today say goodbye to Hector and we thank him so much for his loyalty and commitment to Arsenal Football Club.
“During his 11 years with Arsenal, Hector won three FA Cups and made nearly 250 appearances – such a huge contribution to the club.
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“I’m privileged to have played in the same squad as Hector for three seasons, wearing the Arsenal shirt and sharing many great moments on and off the football pitch together.
“We thank you Hector and wish you and your family all the best for your return to Barcelona.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
