Teenage hotshot Chido Obi-Martin has thanked Arsenal in what appears to be a farewell message ahead of his next career move.

Obi-Martin, 16, scored five hat-tricks in the final nine games of the Under-18 Premier League season last term. The tally included a seven goal haul in a nine-goal victory over Norwich and five goals when the young Gunners beat West Ham 8-1.

Arsenal offered the youngster fresh schoolboy terms, with players unable to sign professional contracts before the age of 17. However, after no agreement could be reached, he left the club.

Manchester United offered Obi-Martin a private tour of their facilities in an effort to convince him to move to the club. And, while the youngster’s next step has not been confirmed, his Arsenal exit has essentially been sealed with his social media post.

“Thank you Arsenal,” his simple caption read, alongside a photo of him celebrating a goal for the Gunners. In a second slide, he shared a longer message of gratitude.

“I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to everyone at Arsenal for the last four years,” his message read. “The experiences and growth I’ve achieved here have been truly invaluable.

“A special thanks to the coaches, staff and teammates at Hale End. The memories made will always be remembered. Thank you once again for this journey. I wish everyone continued success and all the best for the future.”

A number of fans have responded, with plenty upset with his decision. “Money over passion we’ve seen this before,” one Instagram reply read. “Worst move in career bro,” wrote a second, with a third asking Obi-Martin what he was doing.

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An Instagram post from Chido Obi-Martin thanking Arsenal ( 
Image:
Instagram/chidoobi.martin)
Another shared a gif of Robin van Persie in response to the post. Van Persie left Arsenal for Manchester United in the summer of 2012, winning the Premier League title in his first season at Old Trafford.

While some Arsenal fans remain frustrated by Obi-Martin’s exit, the blow has been softened by the arrival of Riccardo Calafiori. The Italy international centre-back has joined the Gunners from Bologna after a breakout international tournament at Euro 2024.

“It feels amazing,” the 22-year-old told club media after completing his move. “It was tough until now, but finally we’re here and I cannot wait to start to train with the team and play for the fans.

“It’s actually been my dream since I was 12 or 13 years old, because I can see the level of the league here and the best players in the world, for me, play here. It’s a dream and not only for me, but for everybody.”