Shkodran Mustafi has written to Arsenal fans to thank them for the support he received during his four years at the club after having his contract terminated prior to his move to Schalke.
The defender was left out of Mikel Arteta’s plans and reports suggested he faced being exiled from the squad for the rest of the campaign.
He had only played nine times in all competitions prior to the move, having seen new signing Gabriel Magalhaes replace him in the side.
He took Ozan Kabak’s place in the Schalke side after the Turkish youngster left for Liverpool on loan - with the Reds holding the option to buy him permanently this summer.
Despite not being the most popular player in recent years at Arsenal, the defender expressed pride over his time at the Emirates and said it was a pleasure to play for the club.
: “Hi Gunners, after 4 years, 151 matches and 2 FA Cup trophies, I just wanted to say thank you to the Arsenal community, our great staff, the fans and of course my teammates.
“Together we went through good and not so good times, but we stood together.
“Arsenal is a fantastic club with a great tradition and I always felt that it is a great pleasure and honour to wear the AFC jersey.
“My family and I will always remember the time we had in London and with Arsenal.
“Gooners, I wish you all the best! Thank you! Musti.”
Arteta also thanked Mustafi for his service to the club, and wished him luck for the future.
“Musti has been a key player for us for a long period of time,” he said.
“He played a very important part in my first season as manager and I’d like to thank him for his professionalism and for always being ready when called upon. Everybody at Arsenal wishes Musti well at Schalke.”
