Former Arsenal ace thanks club’s fans ahead of Marseille switch

Abou Diaby took to twitter yesterday to thank the Arsenal fans for the heartwarming tributes and farewell wishes, sharing this tweet:

Thanks to @Arsenal fans all over the world, for your best wishes and support through the years. 👏

— Abou DIABY (@AbouVDIABY) July 29, 2015

Diaby was released by Arsenal in June following an injury plagued (and well publicized) 9 year stint at the club. He signed for French club Marseille yesterday and was sure to thank everyone involved at Arsenal for supporting him during trying times.

Arsenal fans took to twitter to share their support for Diaby, thanking him for his contributions and lauding him for his perseverance. In an ESPN report, Diaby says he was extremely moved by the support, and thanked the fans as well as the boss.

“I was touched. In nine years, I had difficult moments, but also some very beautiful moments,”he said.

“I was fortunate to work alongside a coach like Arsene Wenger, who is a very, very great coach and a great man too. I regret I wasn’t able to express all of my qualities and all my potential.”

“I arrived when I was young, I really wanted to play for the club and all but finish my career there. My life has been such that that is not the case. Now, a new chapter is opening. I’m going to do all I can to get back to a good level and enjoy myself again.”  

Diaby went on to say that he had many offers for his services, including West Brom as reported, but eventually opted for Marseille because of the club’s medical staff and promised attention to the player’s needs.

Let’s hope the rest of Diaby’s career is injury free and he is finally afforded the chance to show his undeniable talent. Good luck to Abou this season and in his future endeavors. Once a gunner, always a gunner.