Arsenal players were left surprised by Takehiro Tomiyasu’s sudden departure, following the club’s official confirmation of the mutual contract termination earlier this month. The Japanese defender, who has battled persistent knee injuries, gave further insight into his exit in a revealing interview on DAZN’s Atsuto Uchida’s FOOTBALL TIME.
Tomiyasu emphasized that the decision wasn’t abrupt or forced by either party, stating:
“It wasn’t a sudden decision to leave. My contract wasn’t terminated unilaterally by the club, nor did I unilaterally say ‘I’m leaving’. We had proper discussions and concluded it was best for everyone.”
Despite playing just minutes in the 2024-25 season and spending the rest in rehabilitation, Tomiyasu admitted that the mental strain and uncertainty about his future weighed heavily on him:
“I wasn’t feeling like I was there anymore. I was wondering, ‘Is this where my future is?’”
In his farewell, Tomiyasu made a point to say goodbye personally to each player, coach, and staff member:
“As I said my goodbyes, I was reminded that I was loved by them. That made leaving easier.”
He noted that his teammates were “surprised” by his decision, particularly because he still had time left on his contract and was still recovering. However, Tomiyasu saw the timing as optimal:
“The most positive thing is that this decision will allow me to focus on my rehabilitation and on myself.”
On his recovery, Tomiyasu shared that he is “about halfway there” in regaining full fitness.
Finally, he singled out Aaron Ramsdale as the player who impressed him most at Arsenal, praising the goalkeeper’s intensity, distribution, and shot-stopping abilities.
Tomiyasu’s honest reflections underline a mutually respectful separation, despite the shock within the Arsenal camp.
