Hale End graduate Joe Willock has sent an emotional farewell message to Arsenal after completing his move to Newcastle United on Friday.
The goalscoring midfielder joined the Gunners as a young boy, progressing up the youth ranks at the club before making his debut for the first team in September 2017 during an EFL Cup tie against Doncaster Rovers.
Willock developed under the tutelage of three Arsenal managers, with Arsene Wenger, Unai Emery and Mikel Arteta all handing him game time before he was sent on loan to Newcastle United in January 2021.
It was during his stint with the Magpies that he began to flourish, notching eight goals in just 14 games for Steve Bruce's side, including netting in each of his last seven games for the club.
Despite his productive loan spell in the north-east, the 21-year-old was deemed surplus to requirements at Arsenal before re-joining Newcastle on a permanent basis in what was reportedly a £25million deal.
And Willock took to social media to send an emotional farewell message to his former club, admitting that it was the right time to leave the north Londoners despite his 15-year affinity to the club.
"Arsenal thank you for making a young boys dream come true," a post on his Instagram account read. "I’ve been at Arsenal for 15 years and I’ve been a fan my whole life.
"I came to Arsenal at 5 years of age with a dream and love for the club and you gave me the opportunity to fulfil them dreams. To all the managers, staff and players I want to say thank you for making me who I am today.
"This iconic club will always have a special place in my heart but It’s my time to move on and continue to show the world what I can do.
"Arsenal Family thank you for everything. JW28."
Willock played a total of 78 games for Arsenal, providing 11 goals and four assists during that time.
