Sometimes football exits are full of fireworks, emotional speeches, and standing ovations.
Other times, they happen quietly — with a handshake, a few private goodbyes, and a heartfelt explanation later.
That’s exactly what happened with Takehiro Tomiyasu, who has now opened up about his unexpected departure from Arsenal.
A Departure That Raised Eyebrows
Back on July 4, Arsenal and Tomiyasu parted ways — not with fanfare, but by mutual consent.
It came as a bit of a surprise to fans, especially since the Japanese defender was still recovering from a knee injury and hadn’t featured much lately.
In fact, he only played five minutes during the entire 2024–25 season, making just one appearance against Southampton.
Injuries Took Their Toll
Tomiyasu’s time in North London was sadly plagued by injuries.
He underwent knee surgery in February and remained sidelined, which made the timing of his exit even more unusual.
Most players wouldn’t walk away from a contract while still in recovery.
But for Tomiyasu, the decision had been building for a while.
“It Wasn’t Sudden” – Tomiyasu Explains
Speaking to DAZN Japan, the 25-year-old clarified that his departure wasn’t abrupt or one-sided.
“It wasn’t a sudden decision to leave,” he said.
“My contract wasn’t terminated unilaterally, and I didn’t just say, ‘I’m out.’”
Tomiyasu revealed the weight of sitting out almost an entire season while watching from the sidelines.
The mental strain of continuous rehab took its toll.
“I was under a lot of stress and anxiety. Honestly, it started to feel like I wasn’t really there anymore.
I kept wondering, ‘Is this really where my future lies?’”
Surprise in the Dressing Room
His departure caught a few teammates off guard.
Even though he had time left on his contract, Tomiyasu decided it was time to move on.
“After I made my decision, I went to the locker room and staff room, one by one, and said goodbye,” he shared.
“That’s when I truly realized how much love and respect I had received at Arsenal.”
Though his exit was quiet, it was deeply emotional.
The goodbyes brought him closure and, he says, helped ease his lingering anxiety.
Reflecting on His Arsenal Journey
Tomiyasu joined Arsenal in 2021 from Bologna and made 84 appearances under Mikel Arteta, scoring twice.
Known for his calm presence and adaptability, he slotted in across the back line — right-back, left-back, or even centre-back — whenever needed.
He also remains a key figure in the Japanese national team setup, with 42 caps since his debut in 2018.
What Comes Next?
As of now, Tomiyasu is still recovering from his injury.
But with the stress of uncertainty behind him, he seems more at peace and ready for whatever the next chapter brings — whether that’s back home in Japan or at a new club abroad.
For Arsenal fans, he’ll be remembered as a humble, hardworking figure who quietly did his job.
For Tomiyasu, the next step is all about healing — both physically and mentally — before he steps back onto the pitch.