Francis Coquelin completed his move to Valencia, and the 26-year-old insists that he’s ready for a fresh start.

After a decade in north London, Coquelin’s move to Valencia feels a bit surreal. He’s been frustrating us at the club for so long he felt like part of the furniture.

The midfielder’s move will not only make room for someone better new in the Arsenal squad, it’ll give him a chance at a fresh start in Spain.

“I am very happy, it is a massive challenge. A new life coming up, so I’m very excited,” he told Valencia’s website. “Everyone agrees that Valencia great club and a great city, so I’m very grateful to be here.”

He added, “I have seen the team, they are doing very well, third in the classification. I have seen the last matches as the negotiations between the two clubs were accelerating, like the last match against Las Palmas in the Copa del Rey, and it was very good. 

“I think the players are doing a great job. Obviously I’m here to help the team meet goals. I’m a very passionate player, I always give everything, I hope you see you soon. I will always give my best. AMUNT VALENCIA!”

The Frenchman moved to north London from Stade Lavallois in 2008. During the 26-year-old’s time at Arsenal, he made 160 appearances and didn’t score a single goal. He did provide there assist though, so take that.

https://twitter.com/valenciacf/status/951476211695472640

His most notable season was when Arsenal were forced to recall him from his loan spell at Charlton Athletic in 2014, because Mathieu Flamini and Mikel Arteta’s legs had gone again. Gooners admired his spirit and he actually had a decent campaign.

Everything just went downhill from there, however. Coquelin has come under massive criticism over the past couple of years, and most of it was warranted, but you can’t fault the guy’s passion when he played in red and white.

As glad as I am that he’s gone, I wish him all the best and I’m sure most Arsenal fans feel the same.