Mohamed Elneny, who recently departed Arsenal after eight years at the club, has revealed that he refused to participate in the full lap of honour on the final day of the season due to his overwhelming emotions. Despite his diminishing influence on the pitch in recent seasons, Elneny remained a beloved figure in the dressing room.
The Egyptian midfielder expressed his gratitude for his time at Arsenal, stating that it was the best eight years of his life. He professed his love for the club, the fans, and everything associated with Arsenal. Elneny’s departure came after a final-day victory over Everton, which kept their Premier League title hopes alive, although Manchester City ultimately secured the title.
Elneny’s deep attachment to the club was evident as he admitted that it broke his heart to leave. He chose not to participate in the lap of honour because he was overwhelmed with emotions. Nevertheless, he expressed pride in his contributions to the club and acknowledged the importance of his time at Arsenal.
During his tenure at Arsenal, Elneny played under legendary manager Arsene Wenger and also played alongside current Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta. He spoke highly of Arteta’s leadership and coaching abilities, emphasizing that he learned a great deal from him. Elneny praised Arteta’s intelligence as a player and highlighted his impressive development as a coach.
Elneny also expressed his admiration for his teammates, describing them as a unique group of players who support and love each other like a family. He expressed his sadness at leaving behind friends he had known for so long but assured that they would remain friends forever. He pledged to continue supporting Arsenal from afar, both through watching their matches on TV and attending games at the stadium when possible.
In conclusion, Mohamed Elneny’s departure from Arsenal after eight years evoked strong emotions for the midfielder. His refusal to participate in the lap of honour was a testament to his deep attachment to the club and his gratitude for the experiences he had during his time at Arsenal. Elneny’s words reflect the impact that Arsenal, its fans, and his teammates had on his career, leaving a lasting impression on him as he embarks on the next chapter of his football journey.