Kieran Gibbs thanks Arsene Wenger for letting him 'fulfill a dream' at Arsenal after joining West Brom

Fond farewell: Gibbs spent over a decade at Arsenal
AFP/Getty Images
James Benge30 August 2017

West Bromwich Albion’s new signing Kieran Gibbs has paid tribute to Arsene Wenger after ending his 13-year association with Arsenal.

Gibbs completed a £7million move to the Hawthorns today, signing a four-year contract with Tony Pulis’ side.

The 27-year-old departed Arsenal as their second-longest serving player, having made his debut a decade ago, and with 230 appearances to his name.

Sead Kolasinac’s arrival on a free transfer earlier this summer had spelled the end for Gibbs, who in recent years had lost his starting spot to Nacho Monreal.

However Gibbs offered warm words to the manager who gave him a chance at his boyhood club.

“Firstly I would like to say how delighted I am to sign for West Brom,” Gibbs wrote.

“It has been an amazing journey to play for my childhood club since I was 14. I would like to thank Arsene Wenger for giving me the chance to start my career and fulfil a dream!!

“Thank you to all the fans, the Arsenal staff and especially my teammates who have been there during the special moments and have helped me through some tough times.

“Now it’s time for the next chapter with West Bromwich Albion and I can’t wait to get started with the boys!”

Gibbs, who will wear the No.3 shirt, added: “I watched the boys in the first few games of the season and they've got a lot of energy.

“They've made some good signings and I feel this is a good move for me.”

Pulis’ West Brom side are unbeaten through the first three games of the season, sitting fifth in the table and four points above Gibbs’ former side Arsenal.

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