Former Arsenal head of football Raul Sanllehi has released a statement following his departure from the Emirates Stadium.
The club confirmed the news on Saturday afternoon, with Vinai Venkatesham, taking sole lead at the club.
The 53-year-old has been with the club since 2017, and has been a key figure in the day-to-day running of the club for the last three years.
Upon the announcement of his departure, Sanllehi spoke of his pride of the work done at the club.
"I’m proud and pleased with the contribution I’ve made at Arsenal over the past three years, and look forward to enjoying the club’s future success. Arsenal is a true footballing institution," he told Arsenal's official website .
"I am proud to have been part of its history and I thank Stan and Josh Kroenke for this opportunity. Working with Vinai, we have built a top team for the future. Mikel has made an extremely positive impact since his arrival and has formed a strong team with our technical director, Edu.”
Sanllehi has now released a separate statement in which he explains his departure in further detail.
“It is with mixed feelings I end my professional relationship with Arsenal…” he wrote.
“..There is no one to blame for this, other than Covid, and the need to adapt and remodel the club’s structure to the new times,” he added.
“I’m very comfortable knowing the club is in great hands, starting from a fully committed ownership to a second to none group of professionals filled with passion and commitment to make this great club successful.
“The foundations are solid and I’m convinced the dawn of a great era is just starting.”
