After seeing his time at Arsenal come to an end, Mohamed Elneny admitted that the last eight years have been the best of his life.
Our longest-serving men’s player will be departing Emirates Stadium this summer following the completion of his contract, having arrived in north London from Swiss side Basel in January 2016. He played 161 times in our colours, netting six goals along the way – many of which were superb long-rage efforts that will live long in the memory.
The Egyptian midfielder lifted the FA Cup with us in 2017 and also won two Community Shields during his tenure, and those highlights only helped solidify his time as a Gunners as the best period of his life.
Speaking following our season finale against Everton, Mo said: “It’s meant a lot to me being here for so long, it was the best eight years of my life. I love this club so much, I love the fans, I love everything about Arsenal.
“It breaks my heart – that’s why I refused to take to the field [on the lap of honour] because I was so full of emotion. But that’s life, my time here has come to an end and I’m very proud of what I’ve done for this club.
“I love these fans and I gave everything that I had. I appreciate everything they did for me, in the good moments and the bad, and they’re always going to be in my heart forever.”
Mo is one of the last links we have with the Arsene Wenger era having been signed by the Frenchman, and indeed he played alongside Mikel Arteta in midfield during his first few months at the club.
His lengthy service then saw Mikel go full-circle to become his manager, and Mo is extremely thankful for everything he and his current crop of players have done for him personally and professionally, and believes the good times are here to stay.
“I played with Mikel for six months before he retired and became a coach,” Mo reflected. “I enjoyed playing with him and him coaching me because I learned so much from him. I appreciate everything he has done for me and this football club.
“When he was playing he was clever, and then he’s had so many good coaches he got to work with. You could see his leadership and that he could be something special.
“I’ve never seen a group of players like this. Everyone supports each other and loves each other, and works as a family. I’m going to miss them, they’ve been my friends for so long.
“We’re going to be friends forever. I’m going to be supporting them now in front of the TV and sometimes I’m going to come to the stadium to watch them. I’m sure they’ll have an amazing year next year as well because they deserve it.”
Hear Mo discuss more about his time as a Gunner in our lengthy interview
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