Takehiro Tomiyasu has explained that his departure from Arsenal this summer was not a “sudden decision”.
The full back, who could also be deployed as a centre back, spent four years with the Gunners, making 84 appearances in all competitions since his transfer from Bologna in 2021.
Tomiyasu, though, has been plagued by injuries over the past two seasons. He managed to get on the pitch for just five minutes last term due to a long-term knee issue which required surgery in February and is expected to keep him sidelined until the end of the year.
Earlier this month Arsenal confirmed that the club and the player had come to a mutual agreement to terminate his contract, which had 12 months left to run with the option of an additional year.
Takehiro Tomiyasu opens up on Arsenal exit
In his first interview since leaving the north London outfit, Tomiyasu says the decision was made following talks and he left on amicable terms, allowing him to focus fully on his recovery.
“It wasn’t a sudden decision to leave,” the Japan international told DAZN Japan. “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.
“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. To be honest, I wasn’t feeling like I was there anymore, and I was wondering: ‘Is this where my future is?’”
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