Theo Walcott sent a message to the Arsenal fans after completing his move to Everton on Wednesday.

Walcott spent 12 years in North London, from 2006 to 2018. Whatever happens next, his time with the Gunners will probably be the longest spell of his playing career.

Understandably, the winger had mixed feelings about leaving, but sent this message to the fans: “I would like to say a big thank you to everyone involved at the club – manager, coaches, backroom staff, and all the many people at the club that have been part of my family for the past 12 years.

“I’d also like to thank all my team mates I have had the pleasure of playing alongside, but most importantly the fans for their incredible support. I feel sad to leave but also excited for a new challenge. I wish everyone at the club every success for the future.”

Despite dividing opinion on the pitch recently, the 28-year-old got a fantastic response from Arsenal fans after the announcement.

Most fans wished the winger good luck and thanked him for everything he’d done for the Gunners. Everton’s newest signing was clearly touched by the messages, and posted another thank-you on Twitter:

https://twitter.com/theowalcott/status/953745403824033792

It’s nice to have players leaving on such good terms with the club. Francis Coquelin sent a nice goodbye message as well, and Kieran Gibbs got applause from fans on multiple occasions.

These are players who spent a large formative part of their career with the Gunners, and only left when they were no longer playing. It’s hard to have any negative feelings towards players like that.

Hopefully Walcott will get another good reception when he returns to the Emirates. That date isn’t actually too far away, as the Toffees visit North London in early February. Good luck to him until then!