Japan international Takehiro Tomiyasu has opened up on his sudden exit from English Premier League side Arsenal.
Tomiyasu, 26, parted ways with the Gunners after mutually agreeing to terminate his contract, which was set to expire at the end of next season.
Check here: Arsenal prepared to cut ties with Tomiyasu
The defender joined Arsenal from Bologna in 2021 and initially became a key part of Mikel Arteta’s setup due to his versatility and ability to play in multiple roles across the backline.
However, his Arsenal career has been plagued with injury setbacks, with the Japanese defender limited to only five minutes of action in the 2024-25 season.
“It wasn’t a sudden decision to leave. First of all, I want to make it clear that my contract wasn’t terminated unilaterally, and I didn’t unilaterally say: ‘I’m leaving’.
We had a proper discussion and came to the conclusion that: ‘This decision is best for me, for the club, and for everyone’. So I’m leaving. It all ended amicably”, Tomiyasu revealed.
“From my perspective, it’s the best timing. I’ll be free, and most importantly, the most positive thing about this decision is that it will allow me to focus on my rehabilitation and on myself.
I was there for four years, but I only played five minutes in the 2024-25 season, and I spent a whole year in rehabilitation. I was under a lot of stress and anxiety”, he continued.
“To be honest, I wasn’t feeling like I was there anymore, and I was wondering: ‘Is this where my future is?’”
The defender who made 84 appearances for Arsenal before his departure has yet to announce a decision on his next club.
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