Takehiro Tomiyasu
Image credit: Getty Images
Takehiro Tomiyasu says he feels free after mutually agreeing to terminate his Arsenal contract one year early, ending a four-year spell at the club that was recently marred by injury struggles.
The Japan international and the Gunners reached an agreement at the start of July to part ways following a difficult 2024/25 season in which Tomiyasu was limited to just six minutes of action due to a serious knee injury. The 25-year-old underwent surgery in February and is not expected to return to full fitness until the end of the year.
Faced with uncertainty over his future and fitness, Tomiyasu initiated discussions with Arsenal, ultimately resulting in a decision to cut ties early. Speaking toDAZN Japan, the versatile defender stressed that the departure was a joint decision and one that has lifted a weight off his shoulders.
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“It wasn’t a sudden decision to leave,” he said. “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.”
Tomiyasu admitted that his final season at the Emirates was emotionally draining, with prolonged time in rehabilitation fuelling doubts about his long-term role at the club.
Takehiro Tomiyasu on leaving Arsenal this summer: “When I was saying goodbye to each teammate, I realised I was really loved.” pic.twitter.com/2p9gr3EbYJ
— now.arsenal (@now_arsenaI) July 18, 2025
“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,” he continued. “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?’”
Describing the moment of his departure, Tomiyasu said he took time to say personal goodbyes to teammates, coaches, and staff, a gesture that reminded him of the relationships he built during his time in North London.
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“After I decided to leave, I said my final goodbyes to the players, coaches, and staff. I went to the locker room or staff room one by one and said: ‘I’m leaving,’” he recalled. “As I said my goodbyes to each and every one of them, I was reminded that I was loved, and that was when I was able to leave.”
Tomiyasu joined Arsenal from Bologna in 2021 and made 73 appearances across all competitions, earning praise for his versatility, commitment, and professionalism. His early departure marks the end of a chapter at Arsenal, but he is now focused on rehabilitation and preparing for the next stage of his career.
“From my perspective, it’s the best timing,” he concluded. “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.”
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