2 more Arsenal youngsters share farewell messages | OneFootball

Nathan Butler-Oyedeji and Elian Quesada-Thorn have shared their farewells to Arsenal, as they approach the end of their contracts next week.

Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images

Earlier this month, Arsenal confirmed the departures of a number of first team and academy players whose contracts expire at the end of June.

Among the names were academy graduates Nathan Butler-Oyedeji and Elian Quesada-Thorn, and both have since shared farewell messages on social media.

“Dear Arsenal fans,” Butler-Oyedeji wrote. “After 14 years at this club my time at Arsenal has come to an end. I would like to thank firstly God for giving me the opportunity to realise my dream for playing for Arsenal.”

Photo via Butler-Oyedeji on Instagram

“I want to extend my appreciation to the first team, my parents, all coaches, physios, chefs and cleaners and teammates I’ve worked alongside with and most importantly the life blood of the club, the fans,” Butler-Oyedeji added.

“I want to thank everyone who has supported me along the way through my hardships and through my good times.

“Arsenal will always hold a special place in my heart as being a boyhood Arsenal fan it was a dream come true to make my debut for the club. I will always be a part of the Arsenal family. I look forward to where my journey takes me next.”

Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images

Quesada-Thorn’s message was a lot more succinct, though similarly thankful to the Gunners.

“Thank you Arsenal,” Quesada-Thorn said. “After 10 years, it’s time for a new chapter. Grateful for all the memories made and good luck to everyone at the club. With love, EQT.”

After all the years both players gave to the Arsenal academy, as well as training with (and occasionally playing for) the first team, the club will be similarly grateful for their contributions.

Butler-Oyedeji has been linked with Sturm Graz and FC Copenhagen in recent days, with suggestions that he’s drawing interest from a number of teams in the UK and abroad.

We don’t yet have any clues on Quesada-Thorn’s next club, but the Costa Rica u20 international shouldn’t have much trouble finding a team as well.