Raul Sanllehi has released a statement after he and Arsenal parted ways on Saturday explaining why he left the club.

On Friday, ESPN released an article claiming Arsenal had undertaken an internal investigation into the signing of Nicolas Pepe. It was something Arsenal denied.

By Friday evening there were rumours on social media that Raul Sanllehi had left Arsenal but these were dismissed and we all got on with our lives.

Then, at 12pm on Saturday, Arsenal dropped the news that Sanllehi had, indeed, gone from the club. The main hailed as a ‘transfer whizz’ only last summer was out the door with the same reason being given as the one that was used to bring him to the club – restructuring.

The statement said, “It is with mixed feelings I end my professional relation with Arsenal… As said, many mixed (and contradictory) feelings arise, from deep sadness, to full pride and gratefulness to have been given the opportunity to work in such a special club alongside the best professionals and human beings I’ve met over my 25 years in this industry.

Raul Sanllehi has released the following statement after his departure from Arsenal. #AFC #Sanllehi pic.twitter.com/DKi16js5qk

— Chris Wheatley (@ChrisWheatley_) August 15, 2020

“I will continue a Gooner for the rest of my days, and I will be celebrating every goal and every title they (WE) achieve in the coming years.

“I said I had many contradictory feelings at this time, MANY, but I can assure you one that I DON’T have in anger.

“Not at all!

“Of course I feel frustrated and powerless, but I also have the certainty I gave my best work and effort to bring this club back were it belongs. I don’t want to bore you further with a long message, but did indeed want you to know this news from me.

“There is no one to blame for this, other than Covid, and the need to adapt and remodel the club’s structure to the new times. I’m very comfortable knowing the club is in great hands, starting from a fully committed ownership to a second to none group of professionals filled with passion and commitment to make this great club successful.

“The foundations are solid, and I’m convinced the dawn of a great era is just starting. The values of Arsenal (Togetherness, Acting with Class, Always fame.) will be stuck in me for the years to come. I wish the best to Arsenal.

“COYG!!!”