Alexandre Lacazette explains Arsenal exit decision

After five years at the Emirates Stadium, the Arsenal striker will move on at the end of his contract this month.

Alexandre Lacazette has explained his imminent departure from Arsenal was a joint decision between himself and the club.

The 31-year-old striker will bring an end to a five-season spell in north London when his contract expires at the end of June. Former club Lyon is his next rumored destination.

Now Lacazette has done a farewell interview for Arsenal, thanking the fans for their support over the years.

“With the club, we decided to go apart – the club taking a new direction but the end of my contract as well,” he told the club’s media.

“So now it is time for me to have a new experience, a new adventure.”

Lacazette added: “It’s complicated to choose one highlight when you live five years in a club with a lot of teammates and managers.

“It was a pleasure to play in a club that, since I was young, I dreamed about [playing for]. I want to say a big thank you [to the fans], because there were a lot of expectations for me when I signed. The welcome was amazing for me.

“During my five years, it’s been amazing with the fans in the stadium. Thank you for the song as well, it touched me. A big thank you for everything. I will keep in contact with my teammates, the manager, and the club.”

He chipped in: “Like we say, ‘Once a Gunner, always a Gunner.’”

Lacazette managed 71 goals and 36 assists in 271 appearances for Arsenal following a then club-record move of €53 million from Lyon.

The former France international won the FA Cup and Community Shield during his Gunners career, and helped the club reach the Europa League final in 2018/19.