Former Arsenal head of sports medicine Dr Zafar Iqbal has spoken publicly for the first time following his departure from the Premier League champions.
Iqbal confirmed he has left the club by mutual agreement after discussions with Arsenal at the end of the season.
The experienced sports medicine specialist had been at Arsenal since 2023 after arriving from Crystal Palace to replace long-serving club doctor Gary O’Driscoll.
His departure came shortly after Arsenal completed a historic campaign which saw Mikel Arteta’s side win the Premier League title for the first time in 22 years and reach both the Champions League and Carabao Cup finals.
Reports surrounding his exit had prompted speculation about the reasons behind the decision, particularly after Arsenal’s injury problems throughout the season.
However, Iqbal has sought to clarify the situation and insisted the decision was reached amicably.
“After a challenging but ultimately successful season, and following discussions with the club, we have come to a mutual agreement to part ways,” Iqbal said.
The 51-year-old also revealed his intention to step away from football temporarily after more than two decades working within the professional game.
“This will enable me to take a short break after 21 consecutive years in professional football,” he added.
Iqbal also addressed the rumours that have circulated since news of his departure emerged.
“While there has been speculation online around the reasons for my departure, the simple truth is that after the success of this season the time is right for both parties to move in a new direction.”
The departing doctor finished his statement by wishing Arsenal success in the future.
“I wish everyone at the club the very best for the future.”
Although Arsenal enjoyed one of the most successful seasons in their recent history, injuries remained a recurring challenge throughout the campaign.
Club captain Martin Odegaard missed significant periods with knee and muscular issues and recently admitted he had been managing discomfort for some time.
Bukayo Saka was also sidelined during parts of the season with hamstring, hip and Achilles problems before returning to help Arsenal secure the title.
Jurrien Timber spent the closing months of the campaign battling a groin injury and has since been ruled out of the World Cup with the Netherlands after failing to recover sufficiently.
Several other first-team players, including Gabriel, William Saliba, Ben White, Riccardo Calafiori, Declan Rice, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Martinelli, also missed matches through injury across a demanding season.
Arsenal played 63 competitive matches in addition to their pre-season schedule, placing considerable demands on the squad throughout a memorable campaign.
Attention will now turn to who replaces Iqbal as Arsenal continue preparations for the defence of their Premier League crown next season.