“Just thank you for everything from day one. It’ll be hard and sad but it’s a happy goodbye.” — ‘It’s Official’ – Club have Announced that World-class £25m rated sensational star bids final Farewell to beloved fans as he packs his bags and gets to SIGN for Celtic as Rodgers reacts to his Arrival to Parkhead

It’s official. Kieran Tierney has departed Arsenal Football Club.

Celtic transferred Tierney to the North London heavyweights back in 2019 for a record £25m, before that outgoing deal was surpassed financially by the sale of Matt O’Riley for £26m.

Tierney was a Hoops favourite and thrived under Brendan Rodgers during the Northern Irishman’s initial tenure at Parkhead between 2016 and 2019.

He went on to feature in 144 matches for Arsenal across six years, notching six goals and contributing 14 assists overall.

Tierney also turned out for Real Sociedad on loan from Arsenal during the 2023/24 campaign as he fell down the pecking order under manager Mikel Arteta.

The 27-year-old Scotland international will rejoin Celtic this summer after agreeing a pre-contract deal earlier in the year.

And now, Arsenal have formally confirmed that Tierney will leave the Emirates Stadium and have published a farewell interview with the player.

Celtic-bound Tierney’s parting words to Arsenal fans:

Tierney spoke to Arsenal’s in-house media and was full of appreciation for the fans who supported him through the highs and lows.

He said: “Just thank you for everything from day one. They supported us through the good times and the bad, and they supported me through some hard times as well.

“I think that’s what I’m most grateful for, the times where it wasn’t so good or so easy for me is when they probably supported me most, so I’m just very grateful and I feel very lucky to have the support from them.

“I feel so lucky that I’ve played for this club and the love that the supporters have given me has been amazing. I’ve loved every day here and I’ve learned so much, I’ve improved so much and I just feel very lucky.

“When I first came in, obviously the club is huge, absolutely massive, but in the league table we were probably where we shouldn’t be.

“I think the growth over the last three or four years has been incredible and I think this club and this group of players and the manager are just going to go on to even better things in the future.

“It’ll be hard but it’s a happy goodbye. I’ve loved it here, loved every minute of it. There are countless memories that are amazing for me; your debut is always special, and winning the FA Cup as well in the first season.

“It’s a great team, and I’m so close to some of the boys in there. I’ve been here a long time, so it’ll be sad but a happy goodbye.”

What Brendan Rodgers has said about Tierney’s Celtic homecoming:

Rodgers undoubtedly will have been instrumental in orchestrating Tierney’s return to Celtic, having played a key role in his development as a youngster.

In May, the Bhoys manager spoke about how ‘excited’ Tierney is about returning to Paradise and disclosed they had exchanged a few text messages.

Rodgers said: “I know he will be [excited to return]. I haven’t spoken to him a lot of late. We’ve exchanged messages and stuff, but I know his love of the club and excitement to come back here.

“So, yes, I’m sure he’s champing at the bit to get back.”