Forgotten Arsenal star sends heartfelt message to fans after sealing transfer

02 July 2023 , 01:00

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Pablo Mari has waved goodbye to Arsenal after three-and-a-half years (Image: Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Pablo Mari has classily thanked Arsenal fans for their support during his three-and-a-half-year stay after he completed a permanent transfer to Monza.

Spanish centre-back Mari, 29, joined the Gunners in January 2020 from Brazilian giants Flamengo, but after failing to establish himself as a regular starter under Mikel Arteta, spent last season on loan at Monza. Making his mark over 31 appearances, the Italian top-flight side have been so impressed with Mari's performances that they've agreed to pay a reported €6million (£5.1m) to keep him permanently.

His loan spell included being stabbed in the back during a supermarket attack near Milan, forcing him to undergo surgery and spend three months on the sidelines. Fortunately, the Mallorca academy graduate was able to pick up where he left off and following Friday's announcement of his transfer, has waved goodbye to Arsenal.

"As my contract with Arsenal comes to an end, I wanted to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of you," the 29-year-old defender, who made a total of 22 appearances and scored one goal for the Gunners, wrote in a heartfelt Twitter post.

"Thank you for giving me the opportunity to represent this great and historic club, for all the memories and for the support I always received. It has been an immense honour to wear the Arsenal jersey and win two titles with this club. The Gunners will always have a place in my heart!"

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Arsenal reciprocated the gesture, posting on their official website: "We thank Pablo for his contribution to the club and wish him and his family the best of health and happiness in their new chapter."

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Pablo Mari spent last season on loan at Monza and has now made his stay permanent

Mari's departure will bring in useful funds for Arteta and co, who hope to offload players in order to welcome more new signings who can add to their squad depth. The Gunners have already confirmed the £65m arrival of Kai Havertz from Chelsea, with West Ham captain Declan Rice set to follow in a record-breaking £105m move.

Ajax defender Jurrien Timber is in line to follow them, with Arsenal recently reaching a £45m agreement to sign the Netherlands international, who can play as a centre-back or right-back. Arteta, alongside technical director Edu and the club's recruitment team, are keen to go from having a strong starting XI to boasting a squad which can compete on all fronts.

The Gunners' return to Europe via the Champions League means that they'll be stretched even more than last season, when they exceeded expectation to mount a serious Premier League title charge. Other notable Arsenal players who could depart include Granit Xhaka, Kieran Tierney, Albert Sambi Lokonga, Folarin Balogun and Cedric Soares.

Nathan Ridley