Arsenal defender Cedric Soares has confirmed his imminent departure from the club with a post on social media.

Cedric Soares has confirmed his departure from Arsenal, posting a farewell video on Twitter ending with the statement: “Once a Gunner, always a Gunner!”

Along with the video, Cedric shared a message for the club and the Arsenal supporters.

“What a team and what a club,” Cedric wrote. “When I say a team, I mean exactly that, quality in every player, the professionalism that you show and the amazing human beings you guys are, so thank you!”

“When I say club I mean all the departments, all the staff that is constantly putting all the hard hours on and off the pitch to make it possible to fight at the highest level,” Cedric added.

“When I say club it also means its heart and with this I mean you guys, THE FANS, that made this journey so unreal and unforgettable.

“So to all the fans, I thank you! You will always have a special place in my heart! COYG!”

Cedric’s contract expires in June, and recent reports had already confirmed that Arsenal didn’t plan to extend it.

As a result, the Portuguese international will leave on a free transfer, along with fellow first-team players Mohamed Elneny and Arthur Okonkwo.

Cedric only play 124 minutes for Arsenal this season, and he’s now in his thirties. He’s seen Arsenal make a new signing in his position, bringing in Jurrien Timber, and even Timber’s ACL injury wasn’t enough to earn Cedric more than a handful of games.

It’s no great surprise that Cedric and Arsenal have decided to part ways, and he’ll hopefully now find a club where he can feature more regularly.

Over the course of his Arsenal deal, Cedric made 64 appearances for the club.