Seb Ferdinand has posted a farewell message to Arsenal after leaving the club at the end of his contract earlier this summer.
Seb Ferdinand was included on Arsenal’s list of released players earlier this summer, bringing to an end a seven-year association with the Gunners.
Ferdinand was on a professional contract with the club, signed in 2024, but he’s now a free agent.
A couple of months after Arsenal’s announcement, Ferdinand has shared his feelings on the decision, admitting it’s taken him a while to come to terms with.
“As many of you may know, this summer my time at Arsenal has come to an end,” Ferdinand wrote on Instagram. “It has taken me a while to process this as I look to navigate this next part of my career.
“Over the past seven years Arsenal has been my second home and going from a boy to a man at Hale End and then at Colney. I would like to thank all the staff and people at the club. Met many great people and created lifelong bonds and memories.
“To everyone who has supported me at this club I would like to thank you and I hope you continue to as I take the next steps in my career. Who knows what the future holds, but for now this is a goodbye.”
It’s obviously difficult for players who have represented one club’s academy for so long to accept that they won’t eventually be first-team players for that same team.
Progression to the senior side is generally seen as the ultimate goal for academy players at the big clubs, especially for someone like Ferdinand with 46 u19 and u21 appearances for Arsenal under his belt.
Ferdinand had his moments over the last few years. His EFL Trophy debut was very impressive, with two goals and an assist against senior opposition in Exeter City.
The winger also started the 2025/26 campaign excellently, with two goals and an assist in his first four games.
But a struggle to maintain that kind of form consistently meant a departure became inevitable, and Ferdinand will now be looking to make a fresh start elsewhere.
- Arsenal academy chief identifies key to long-term plansPascal De Maesschalck has explained why recruitment sits at the heart of Arsenal’s academy plans and how Mikel Arteta is shaping the next stage.
- Arsenal identify 2 forwards for January windowArsenal are reportedly prioritising a versatile forward for January, with two attackers under consideration as Mikel Arteta weighs his options.
- “Never seen anything like that” New Arsenal Academy boss blown away by Mikel Arteta training sessionsPascal De Maesschalck has revealed what surprised him most about Mikel Arteta’s coaching after joining Arsenal as academy director this summer.
- 4 Arsenal players shortlisted for FIFPRO Women’s World 11Four Arsenal players have been shortlisted for the 2026 FIFPRO Women’s World 11, with the final team to be decided by votes from fellow professionals.
- Why Merino believes Arsenal can benefit from his international successMikel Merino has explained how his success with Spain could help Arsenal develop the confidence and experience needed to win more major honours.