Stephan Lichtsteiner has said goodbye to Arsenal fans in a Twitter post confirming his exit from the club.
![Stephan Lichtsteiner says goodbye to Arsenal fans 1 Arsenal's English striker Danny Welbeck (R) celebrates with Arsenal's Swiss defender Stephan Lichtsteiner after scoring the team's second goal during the UEFA Europa League group E football match between Arsenal and Vorskla Poltava at the Emirates Stadium in London on September 20, 2018. (Photo by Ian KINGTON / AFP)](/static/uploads/2018/09/danny-welbeck-lichtsteiner-vorskla.jpg)
The 35-year-old was signed on a free from Juventus, signing a one-year contract. He had been hopeful of getting an extension but the club have clearly opted not to take that option up.
Dear Gunners
Thank you very much for your overwhelming support over the past year! It was much appreciated! To read my full thank you note visit my Insta Profile ➡️ https://t.co/zIyYb4yFfJ
See you
Stephan#COYG #WeAreTheArsenal #YaGunnersYa #ThankYou @Arsenal pic.twitter.com/SOnrtIaKy8— Stephan Lichtsteiner (@LichtsteinerSte) June 3, 2019
His full statement said:
We were close to add an important chapter to this amazing club’s history. But to be close … is unfortunately not good enough. This is hard to accept. I’m very disappointed.
It was our objective to bring Arsenal back on the highest international level and to win trophies. Both belong to this great club. I wish my teammates, my coach and his staff, all hard-working employees and all Gunner fans simply the best! I’m confident our team can complete our mission next season! I loved to be a part of this club. It was a great challenge and experience without a happy end, unfortunately. Thank you very much for your overwhelming support! It was much appreciated!
See you
Stephan
In all, the Swiss international made 23 appearances for Arsenal, scoring one and assisting one.
In addition, he brought a whole new level of sh*thousery to the club and for that we thank him!
Good luck with wherever you end up, Stephan, even if it is somewhere else in England.