Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has opened up about David Luiz’s imminent departure from the North London club, admitting he feels ‘sadness’ at the centre-back’s impending exit.
The Gunners defender will leave the club at the end of the season when his contract expires
Mikel Arteta has opened up about David Luiz’s imminent departure from Arsenal, admitting he feels ‘sadness’ at the centre-back’s impending exit.
Luiz will leave the Gunners on a free transfer once his contract expires at the end of the season, two years after he arrived from Chelsea.
The decision was made after talks held last week and, whilst saying that it was a decision that suited all parties, Arteta is going to miss not having the 34-year-old around anymore.
Paying tribute to Luiz, Arteta said: “He’s a player who has won everything in football and has earned every right to do so through who he is as a player and as a person.
“I had the privilege to work with him for 18 months. I really enjoyed it. I think we got on really good. I think we had some great moments together. He’s been really helpful, someone who we really like and appreciate so much.
“So I say thank you to him and wish him the best of luck in his next chapter because I’m sure knowing David that he will have many more to come as a player and in the future somehow related to the game.”