Mesut Ozil has posted a long farewell to Arsenal fans on social media, after his move to Fenerbahce was finally confirmed on Sunday.

Ozil has been linked with a move away from north London for some time. He barely featured for the Gunners last season and was then left out of Mikel Arteta’s 25-man Premier League squad for the current campaign.

DC United and several Turkish sides were reported to be close to securing his signature this month. However, as 90min reported recently, Fenerbahce were always leading the race for Ozil and they confirmed his arrival on Sunday afternoon.

Soon after the news broke, the former Real Madrid man took to Twitter to say goodbye to the supporters.

He wrote: „Dear Gunners, 7-5 years. Nearly 3,000 days. It feels strange to be writing this message after such a long time here in London. Since the moment I arrived, it has felt like home,“ the message began.

„I was welcomed with open arms by all the Arsenal staff, my teammates, and most importantly the incredible fans. I will always be grateful for the trust placed in me by Arsene Wenger in September of 2013.

„I’ve grown up as an adult in north London, a place I can always call home. I’ll never forget that. Being with Arsenal for so long has meant I’ve experienced a big mix of ups and downs. Over 250 games, 44 goals and 71 assists later, it’s time that Arsenal and I finally part ways.

„Together, we ended the club’s nine-year trophy drought, and brought long needed silverware back to the fans who deserved it. It is difficult for me to put into words the love I feel for this club and the fans.

„How could I possibly describe eight years of gratitude in a single letter? Whilst I may be no longer playing for the club, I will continue to support them in every game they play. I will be a Gunner for life – no doubt about that. Now more than ever we must all be behind the team. This season is a tough one for every team in the Premier League, and that is why we must all back the current squad and staff no matter the results.“

The midfielder added his excitement at seeing young players from the academy, such as Emile Smith Rowe, make their breakthroughs in recent months.

He added: „For me, it’s been amazing to see some of the boys from Hale End coming through into the first team setup. As we all know, they are the future of our club, and I wish them every success! Hearing my name chanted around the Emirates will forever give me goosebumps, and the memories I’ve made putting on this jersey will stick with me for life.

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— Mesut Özil (@MesutOzil1088) January 24, 2021

„Much has been written about my time at Arsenal, especially in recent months. Arsenal is a club of class and prestige, something that I felt every time I walked onto the pitch. Players, staff and management always come and go – but the club’s values and fans will remain forever.

„The principles of class, respect and dignity must never be forgotten. It is the responsibility of every single person from the club to make sure they carry out their job in the name of these values. As I said, the past few months haven’t been the easiest.

„Like every player, I want to play every minute of football for my team. In life however, things do not always play out how we expect or want them too. But it is important to look for the positives in life and not the negative, which is why I try to live with no regrets and holding no grudges.

„Being at Arsenal was more than just football, it was about community. As much as I tried to assist on-the-pitch, I tried to be part of the London community as much as I could too.

„North London took me in as one of its own, and every season I embarked on a different project to bring happiness to this incredible community. Although I might be leaving north London, this will not stop. It might be the end of a chapter, but my connection with this amazing club will never fade. It might be goodbye for now, but it’s not goodbye forever. To the Arsenal fans around the world: YaGunnersYaMesut.“