MOHAMMED ELNENY admits he "refused" to join Arsenal's lap of honour on the final day as he was too "heartbroken" over his departure.
The midfielder, 31, is one of 22 players leaving the Gunners this summer after what he calls "the best eight years of my life".
Elneny comforted team-mates after their 2-1 home comeback win over Everton failed to stop Manchester City retaining the Premier League title.
But when it came to sharing the traditional end-of-season circuit of the pitch with the rest of the squad, he was too "full of emotion".
Now club-less, the 101-cap Egyptian peaked his career with Arsenal's 2017 FA Cup glory.
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But injuries plagued the anchorman's latter years at the Emirates.
Nonetheless, he remained a cult favourite with fans and a popular presence in the dressing room on his way to more than 150 appearances for the Gunners.
In fact, Arsenal players raised El in training - gathering in a circle to throw him up in the air as a send-off salute.
He beamed widely then - before letting his sadness creep in the next day after the on-pitch finale against the Toffees.
However, the ex-Basel star, who had made around £18million in career earnings, is sure the Gunners will be "in my heart forever".
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Elneny told Arsenal’s official website: "I love this club so much. I love the fans, I love everything about Arsenal.
"It breaks my heart – that’s why I refused to take to the field [on the lap of honour] because I was so full of emotion.
"But that’s life, my time here has come to an end and I’m very proud of what I’ve done for this club.
"I love these fans and I gave everything that I had. I appreciate everything they did for me, in the good moments and the bad, and they’re always going to be in my heart forever."
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Brought to Arsenal by legendary boss Arsene Wenger in 2016, Elneny dished praise on current manager Mikel Arteta.
He said: "When he was playing he was clever, and then he’s had so many good coaches he got to work with. You could see his leadership and that he could be something special.
"I’ve never seen a group of players like this. Everyone supports each other and loves each other, and works as a family. I’m going to miss them, they’ve been my friends for so long.
"We’re going to be friends forever. I’m going to be supporting them now in front of the TV and sometimes I’m going to come to the stadium to watch them.
"I’m sure they’ll have an amazing year next year as well because they deserve it."
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