Mikel Arteta has stated that he is leaving 'the best club in England', upon his departure from Arsenal.

Following five years of sterling service at the Emirates Stadium, Arteta has brought down the curtain on his Arsenal career.

Having made his final appearance for the club during Sunday's 4-0 victory over Aston Villa, Arteta has gone on to reveal that it was he who made the decision to leave Arsenal and added that he is departing 'the best club in England'.

The Spaniard told arsenal.com: "I love competing and I love this game. I wanted to decide when the time was to leave. I preferred to make that decision myself, and not the other away around.

"In my opinion, I'm leaving the best club in England for sure.

"I'm very happy because the people and the manager have been unbelievable for me these last few weeks. They have left the doors open for me at this club. That means a lot."