Why I QUIT Arsenal: Star opens up on ‘stress and anxiety’ after SHOCK exit

Takehiro Tomiyasu has explained his unexpected decision to leave Arsenal ‘amicably.’

The 42-time Japan international was in the headlines earlier this month when the surprising news emerged that he was set to have his contract at Arsenal terminated.

Tomiyasu still had a year to run on his deal in North London, but the decision was made to get him off the wage bill amid his ceaseless struggles with injury.

The 26-year-old is recovering from knee surgery, which he underwent in February, and he is unlikely to be fully match fit again until early 2026. The versatile defender is coming off a hugely difficult season that saw him play just six minutes of competitive football.

When Tomiyasu was fit, he was a very reliable player for Mikel Arteta, but his constant physical problems ultimately saw him supplanted in the pecking order by other stars.

Tomiyasu explains Arsenal exit

Tomiyasu has now sought to set the record straight in his Arsenal exit, insisting that the decision to terminate his contract was indeed mutual and amicable to allow him to fully focus on his rehabilitation.

“It wasn’t a sudden decision to leave,” he told DAZN Japan. “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.

“From my perspective, it’s the best timing. 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.

“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. 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?’”

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