Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang says it “hurts” to leave Arsenal “without a real goodbye”, as he joined Barcelona on deadline day.
The striker parted ways with Arsenal by mutual consent and trained with his new teammates at the Camp Nou on Tuesday.
The North London club in a statement shared on social media, said, “We wish Auba all the best for the next chapter in his career and thank him for his contribution to the club.”
A few hours later, the 32-year-old also shared a message to fans of his old club.
It read, “To the Arsenal fans, thank you for making London home for myself and my family for the past four years.
“We went through ups and downs together and your support meant everything to me.
“Having the chance to win trophies and the honour of being the captain of this club is something I will forever keep in my heart.
“I have always been 100 per cent focused and committed on doing everything I can for this club which is why leaving without a real goodbye hurts – but that is football.
“I’m sad I did not get the chance to help my teammates in the last few weeks, but I have nothing but respect for this club and truly wish all my guys and the fans all the best and many successful years in the future! Love, Auba.”
The Gabonese joined Arsenal from Borussia Dortmund in 2018 for a then club-record £60 million fee.
He scored 92 goals in 163 games for the Gunners and won the FA Cup in 2020.
Aubameyang left Arsenal on the back of a disciplinary issue which saw him stripped of the captaincy.
He last played for Mikel Arteta’s side on December 6.