Ex-Arsenal defender Nacho Monreal has offered a warm tribute to his former team-mates, colleagues and fans, wishing them luck ahead of the north London derby this afternoon.
Monreal ended a near-seven year spell with the Gunners on Saturday, joining Real Sociedad on a two-year contract with the option for an additional 12 months. The 33-year-old defender had slipped behind Kieran Tierney in the pecking order and was not expecting his contract at Arsenal, due to expire at the end of the season, to be extended.
However Monreal, who made 250 appearances, departs Arsenal a hugely popular figure in the dressing room and well-regarded among fans for his consistency and commitment.
That standing will only increase with his warm words of farewell to his former club.
He wrote on Instagram: "31st January, 2013. Malaga. I wake up, check my phone and have two calls from Santi Cazorla. I call him and he asks me if I want to play for Arsenal. 10 hours later I was an Arsenal player. Sometimes football is simple.
"Different country, city, language, football style, team mates, where it's not the best conditions for a shy person as me, but I knew I have to be there!!
"Almost seven years later it's time to say goodbye, it hasn't been an easy decision, but thinking of my family and my future it feels that it is the right decision..
"I would like to say thank you to all my team mates, staff, and all the people who work for Arsenal and especially to the fans for all the respect and love they have always shown me.
"I'll always remember you. THANKS.
"P.S Now it's time to win the north London derby"
In Monreal's absence Sead Kolasinac is expected to start at left-back against Tottenham with Tierney out injured until later this month at the earliest.
