Speaking after the game, he said: “It was important to win it, it was important as well to say goodbye to a few players who have left our football club, to say thank you for their contribution.”

Kieran Tierney, who returned to the starting line-up and opened the scoring with a crisp finish, will rejoin Celtic on a free transfer.

His goal was a fitting parting gift. Arteta confirmed the defender had told teammates: “I’m going to score in my last game,” and added, “he’s certainly done it.”

Speaking in his press conference after the match, Arteta added, “…a special thank you to him. He’s been part of the journey and he’s won with me. It’s true that he went to Sociedad for a few months, but it’s been a joy to work with him, a really special character. We wish him and his family all the very best. The doors of this club are open for him – he’s someone very, very liked at the club, in the dressing room and we want to wish him the best.”

Jorginho, meanwhile, will join Flamengo ahead of the Club World Cup. The Italian midfielder, who arrived from Chelsea in January 2023, leaves having carved out a niche as a dependable option in high-pressure matches. His composure and experience in midfield gave Arteta vital tactical flexibility throughout his 18-month stay.

Neto, a lifelong Arsenal fan, made a single appearance during his short loan spell from Bournemouth, a Champions League group stage win over Girona.

He will return to his parent club, though a permanent departure from the south coast is expected.

Raheem Sterling also returns to Chelsea following an underwhelming loan. Once one of the league’s most feared wingers, his time at Arsenal was so disappointing.

Despite being afforded regular game time, he managed just one goal and five assists across 28 appearances.

The final-day victory, sealed by a late strike from substitute Martin Ødegaard, offered Arsenal a positive end to a gruelling 58-game campaign. Arteta was quick to acknowledge the physical and emotional toll of a season that saw the club reach their first Champions League semi-final in 15 years.

“It’s time to reflect, time to reset, and get our energy back,” he said. “It’s been a really demanding season, a season that has stretched us all. But I think the culture and the mindset that we have at the football club have sustained everything to perform with the resources that we have at the highest level up to the last day.”

Looking ahead, Arteta made clear that planning for next season is already underway, though for now, the focus is on recovery.

For Tierney, Jorginho, Neto and Sterling, however, the journey with Arsenal ends here.

Their stories diverge, but the manager’s gratitude was clear: “I had the duty to say thank you. I think we all have, and we wish them the best for the next season.”

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