French striker Olivier Giroud penned an emotional message to the Arsenal faithful on deadline day, as he completed his move to London rivals Chelsea, signing an 18-month contract with the Blues.
Giroud made way for 2015 African Player of the Year, Gabon international Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who joined the Gunners from Dortmund for a record club fee of 55 million euros.
READ MORE
For institutions to succeed, their leaders must lead from the front
Wifi, mzinga and zero ambition: The ugly side of 'pampers Gen Z'
Judas and Pilate are long dead, but they still live amongst us
Why health sector should invest heavily in big data analytics
In a deal that saw Chelsea’s Belgian striker Michy Batshuayi loaned to Dortmund, Aubameyang to Arsenal and Giroud to Chelsea, Arsenal fans were left with tears in their eyes, even paying the Frenchman a great tribute on their social media.
Giroud, 31, played for Arsenal for five-and-a-half years, scoring 105 times in 253 appearances. He has won three FA Cups with the club.
Here is his goodbye message to Arsenal fans:
I spent five and a half amazing years within the arsenal family. This beautiful story ends today. Thank you for your warm welcome. I would like to especially thank the fans for their unconditional support upon my arrival #nananana #ThankYou pic.twitter.com/GofNGAi3pW— Olivier Giroud (@_OlivierGiroud_) January 31, 2018
“I spent five and a half amazing years within the arsenal family. This beautiful story ends today. Thank you for your warm welcome. I would like to especially thank the fans for their unconditional support upon my arrival," said Giroud on his Twitter.
Arsene Wenger also heaped praise on Giroud, applauded his commitment and service during his 5 seasons at the club.
“Oli is a guy who gave great service to the club, he never let us down on the commitment front and he saved us many times,’ said Wenger.
