Kieran Tierney played his last game at the Emirates for Arsenal before his Celtic move in the 1-0 win over Newcastle United.
The Scotland defender’s time in the Premier League was up when Arsenal refused to take up the one-year option on Tierney’s contract and now, he is but a matter of weeks from returning to Celtic.
Tierney has been used sparingly this season but still remains an Arsenal fan favourite as his popularity with the Emirates support has never waned.
However, after six years at the Emirates, Tierney can’t wait to return to Celtic and boss, Mikel Arteta, has sent the Paradise-bound 27-year-old a message ahead of his Arsenal exit.
Photo by David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images
Photo by David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images
Why Mikel Arteta is ‘very grateful’ to Kieran Tierney before Celtic move
Tierney made another brief Arsenal cameo as the London club saw out a 1-0 win over Newcastle to all but guarantee the runners-up spot in the Premier League.
And after his eight-minute appearance, Arteta sent his thanks post-match to Tierney as he now looks forward to picking his career back up at Celtic Park.
Arteta told talkSPORT, “With Kieran, he had a very special circumstance the way he had to come back and settle in the team again after four months out, and he’s been really good with the group.
“He has contributed in every possible way to help us and I’m very grateful for that.
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“We have a few in the dressing room that probably is going to be the last time they put on that shirt in the Emirates.
“I’ve been there and I make sure we are close to them and I am very grateful to them as well.”
Kieran Tierney’s Arsenal appearances this season ahead of Celtic move
Tierney recovered from a bad hamstring injury that kept the Scotland international out for much of Arsenal’s season.
However, Arteta still used him when he saw fit and Tierney still did get minutes in the Arsenal first-team ahead of his return to Celtic.
Kieran Tierney Played Starting XI From bench Total minutes Average minutes per game
Arsenal stats 19 3 16 384 20.21
Admittedly, his minutes on the park per game are quite poor but for the Celtic supporters, they will just be glad to get Tierney back at Paradise in one piece to see him wear the green and white Hoops fully fit for next season.