Folarin Balogun claimed “it was an honour to wear the badge” in a heartfelt note to Arsenal fans after his £35 million ($43m/€40m) move to AS Monaco.
The United States men’s national team forward took the decision to head back to France in search of regular time after a productive 21-goal loan spell at Ligue 1 side Reims last season.
The Gunners, who are well-stocked in the attacking department, made some neat profit by selling their academy product, while also including a sell-on clause in their deal with Monaco.
Balogun penned an emotional farewell note that read:
“With a heavy heart. I say my goodbyes to my boyhood club. I was eight years old when I first came to Hale End and every academy player walks through the gates and dreams of making their debut for the first team. I was lucky enough to fulfill that dream.