Mikel Arteta has paid tribute to David Luiz ahead of his summer exit from Arsenal and admits he will be sad to see him go.
Defender Luiz will leave the Emirates when his contract expires, bringing an end to his two-year stay at the Emirates.
Manager Mikel Arteta said: ‘He’s a player that has won everything in football and he has earned every right to do so because of who he is as a player and a person. I had the privilege to work with him for 18 months I really enjoyed.
‘I think we got on really good. I think we had some great moments together. He has been really helpful.
‘Someone we really like and appreciate so much so just say thank you to him and wish him the best of luck in his next chapter because I’m sure knowing David he will have many more to come as a player and in the future somehow related to the game.
‘When you get to know the person, his background, where he was raised in Brazil and what he has done to get to this point it is remarkable and you understand a lot of things happen for a reason and some days it’s not just ability, a quality or a determination it is many other actors. I really enjoyed. I learned from him.
‘He’s been very helpful every time with the team and I feel sadness as well because you get attracted to the players emotionally and one is the player that we have to get the maximum out of him and the other is the person and it when it gets to these stages it is tough and it hurts because that relationship now is going to be going away, at least in a space of not seeing him every day and again I have to say thank you to him.’
The final decision on Luiz’s future was made following discussions last week and Arteta said: ‘We had very clear talks in the last few months.
‘We already had a big decision to make last year when we had to extend his contract in a very difficult moment during the Covid world and the pay cuts and everything and we managed to extend that for one more season.
‘He has given his best. I tried to help him as much as I possibly could. The club as well and after some conversations we decided that it’s the best way.’
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