English Premiership League (EPL) club Arsenal FC has terminated the contract of injury-prone Japanese international defender Takehiro Tomiyasu by mutual consent.
The decision to terminate the contract of the 26-year-old defender by mutual consent comes after a challenging period for the player, whose time at the Emirates Stadium was significantly hampered by persistent injuries, which have left him sidelined for long spells.
Tomiyasu, who joined Arsenal from Italian Serie A club side Bologna in August 2021, underwent knee surgery in February and is not expected to be fully fit for football action until later this year.
Arsenal in a statemen,t announced the immediate termination of Tomiyasu’s contract by mutual agreement so the player can start a new chapter in his football career.
”We have reached a mutual agreement with Takehiro Tomiyasu to end his contract with immediate effect.
“The 26-year-old defender, who joined us from Bologna in August 2021, made 84 appearances in all competitions during his time with the club.
“Japanese international Tomi immediately settled at right-back after his signing, winning our Player of the Month award in September 2021, an accolade he collected again in October 2023.
“Having begun his career at J1 League side Avispa Fukuoka, Tomi moved to Belgian outfit Sint-Truiden in 2018 and won the club’s Player of the Season award before moving to Italy.
“A senior international since 2018, Tomi has represented Japan 42 times and was part of his country’s squad at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and 2022 World Cup, as well as helping his nation reach the quarter-finals of the AFC Asian Cup in February 2024.
“Unfortunately, injuries have limited Tomi’s time on the pitch in the past two seasons, with the defender making just one substitute appearance last season. It was therefore mutually agreed to end Tomi’s contract in order for him to start a new chapter in his career.
“Everyone at Arsenal Football Club would like to thank Tomi for his contribution to the club, and we wish him and his family all the best for the future.” Arsenal wrote in a statement:
As a parting shot, Tomiyasu himself shared an emotional message on Instagram, reflecting on his four years at the club. “After 4 unforgettable years, the time has come for me to say goodbye to this incredible club,” he wrote.
“I have got many things to say, but the thing that I want to tell you guys the most is just thank you for the love you guys gave me.” He added, “It’s time for a new chapter, but I’m forever proud to have been a Gunner. Once a Gunner, always a Gunner.”
