Mikel Arteta says he is 'very grateful' for the way Kieran Tierney has handled himself this season as he prepares to return to Celtic.
The left-back has agreed a pre-contract to rejoin his boyhood heroes upon the expiry of his contract at the Emirates Stadium this summer.
Tierney played his last home game for Arsenal on Sunday afternoon as he was introduced for the closing stages of their 1-0 win over Newcastle United.
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It was his 19th appearance of the campaign, and 143rd overall in red and white since his then-record-breaking move to North London in 2019.
Arteta sent a parting message to the Scotland defender post-match: "With Kieran, he had a very special circumstance the way he had to come back and settle in the team again after four months out, and he’s been really good with the group," he told talkSport.
"He has contributed in every possible way to help us, and I’m very grateful for that.
"We have a few in the dressing room that probably is going to be the last time they put on that shirt in the Emirates.
"I’ve been there and I make sure we are close to them and I am very grateful to them as well."
Arsenal ultimately ended the season trophyless after losing track of Liverpool in the Premier League title race and suffering Champions League elimination at the semi-final stage courtesy of Paris Saint-Germain.
Arteta has won two trophies since taking charge of the club: the FA Cup and the Community Shield. Tierney was there for both triumphs.
