End of an Era: Arsenal Midfield Maestro Bids Farewell After 16 Glorious Years at the Club
Arsenal‘s midfielder Matt Smith has revealed that he will be leaving the club. Over the past few seasons, Smith has been sent on loan to Swindon Town, Charlton Athletic, and Doncaster Rovers, with the aim of assisting his progress and growth as a player.
Despite being one of the longest-serving players at the club, the 23-year-old is departing Emirates Stadium as his contract comes to an end. Remarkably, Smith leaves Arsenal without having made a single competitive senior appearance for the Gunners.
Smith’s involvement with Arsenal extended beyond his absence from competitive senior matches. He was actually included in Arsenal’s 24-man squad for the 2022/23 Europa League campaign, demonstrating the club’s recognition of his potential.
Additionally, Smith regularly trained with Mikel Arteta‘s first-team squad, further highlighting his close involvement with the senior team despite his lack of competitive appearances.
“Thank you Gunners. After 16 years at my boyhood club, it’s time for me to look to the next chapter of my career,” wrote Smith on his Instagram account.“Along this journey, it would be impossible to name everyone that has added to my time at the club. However, to all the players, staff, and supporters, I can only say thank you and that I am forever grateful.“To the fans keep supporting this great club, success is around the corner. Once a Gooner, always a Gooner”
In addition to Matt Smith, winger Joel Ideho will also be departing Arsenal as his contract comes to an end in June. Following the expiration of his contract, Ideho will be leaving the club, concluding his time with Arsenal.
Although Arsenal had the option to extend the 19-year-old winger Joel Ideho’s contract for an additional two years, the club has decided not to exercise that option.
This decision was made in light of the current number of players in the academy squad, leading to the conclusion that Ideho will not be staying at Arsenal beyond the expiration of his contract.
End of an Era: Arsenal Midfield Maestro Bids Farewell After 16 Glorious Years at the Club