Arsenal technical director Edu has praised Mesut Ozil's "professionalism" whilst negotiating a deal to leave the club.
The Gunners have confirmed the German playmaker has joined Turkish giants Fenerbahce, ending his seven-and-a-half year stint at the club.
The 32-year-old has not featured this season under Mikel Arteta and, after being left out of both the Premier League and Europa League squads, agreed a deal to cut short his contract and leave on a free transfer.
Ozil had previously been adamant he would see out his current £350,000-a-week contract until the summer before a deal was reached in recent weeks.
And Edu has hailed the way Ozil and his team handled negotiations as he wished him luck for the future in a parting message.
Edu told Arsenal's official website: “We thank Mesut for his huge contribution to Arsenal.
"He has made more than 250 appearances, played in three Emirates FA Cup final wins and has given the fans and everyone at the club many wonderful moments on the pitch since he joined us in 2013.
"We would like to thank Mesut and his team for their professionalism during our recent negotiations. I know everyone associated with Arsenal will join me in wishing Mesut and his family the best of health, success and happiness in the next chapter of his career.”
Ozil's attitude and application has come under the spotlight amid speculation over the reasons for his ongoing omission.
But Arteta also claimed it was a "privilege" to play alongside and manage the German, who was a club record signing when he joined from Real Madrid in 2013.
Arteta stated: “Mesut’s achievements at Arsenal are undisputed.
"It was a privilege to play alongside him and, more recently, coach him. His creativity and vision led to many goals during his time in the Arsenal shirt.
"Mesut was at the heart of many great moments for this club over the years, including those three FA Cup final wins. These successes will always be part of our history.
"We thank Mesut and wish him all the best with Fenerbahce.”
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