Arsenal star defender confirms departure from the club

Arsenal manager Unai Emery [Courtesy]

An Arsenal star has confirmed that he will leave the club this summer.

Arsenal full-back Stephan Lichtsteiner revealed his departure on Instagram in an emotional farewell message on Monday.

The 35-year-old superstar moved to north London on a free transfer last summer, signing on an initial one-year deal.

"Dear Gunners. We were close to adding an important chapter to this amazing club's history. But to be close ... is unfortunately not good enough," he wrote.

"This is hard to accept. I'm very disappointed. It was our objective to bring Arsenal back on the highest international level and to win trophies. Both belong to this great club.

"I wish my teammates, my coach and his staff, all hard-working employees and all Gunner fans simply the best! I'm confident our team can complete our mission next season!

"I loved to be a part of this club. It was a great challenge and experience without a happy end, unfortunately. Thank you very much for your overwhelming support! It was much appreciated!"

The Gunners manager Unai Emery will be keen to bring in defensive reinforcements after a ‘poor’ campaign.

Stats confirm Arsenal conceded over 50 goals in the English Premier League and were hammered 4-1 in the Europa League final at the hands of Chelsea in Azerbaijan, Baku last week.

Stephan Lichtsteiner [Courtesy]

Emery will hope to have Héctor Bellerín back in time for pre-season after a serious knee injury.

Ainsley Maitland-Niles impressed last season for the Gunners in his absence but Bellerin remains Emery's first-choice.