Eduardo da Silva ended a three-year stint with Arsenal when he completed a £6 million move to Ukrainian champions Shakhtar Donetsk on Wednesday.
The Brazilian-born striker has signed a four-year contract with Shakhtar, who won the UEFA Cup in 2009.
He returned to play four games the following season and 32 the year after as Arsenal finished third in the Premier League.
"The past few days have been very emotional for me," Eduardo, who scored a total 20 goals in 67 appearances for the Gunners, told Arsenal's official website.
"Although I am excited about the challenge ahead with my new club Shakhtar Donetsk, I am so sad to be leaving my home for the past three years - Arsenal Football Club.
"Arsenal is a very special football club and I will miss so many people - my team-mates, all the staff and, of course, the wonderful Arsenal supporters.
"When I first came to England, I could not speak the language and knew nobody, but as soon as I arrived I was made to feel at home and part of this big family.
"I had some very difficult times with my injury, but Arsenal was always there for me - the medical staff, the management, the players and the supporters. Thank you everybody.
"Although I have now left the club, Arsenal will always be in my heart. I will always look for the Arsenal results and of course, I wish Arsène Wenger and the great players at the club well for next season and the future."
 Shakhtar Donetsk coach Mircea Lucescu and new signing Eduardo da Silva hold the tem jersey Photo: AP |
The Brazilian-born striker has signed a four-year contract with Shakhtar, who won the UEFA Cup in 2009.
Eduardo joined Arsenal from Dinamo Zagreb in July 2007 but struggled to make his mark following his horror leg injury in 2008, when he suffered a badly broken leg during a meeting with Birmingham City.
He returned to play four games the following season and 32 the year after as Arsenal finished third in the Premier League.
"The past few days have been very emotional for me," Eduardo, who scored a total 20 goals in 67 appearances for the Gunners, told Arsenal's official website.
"Although I am excited about the challenge ahead with my new club Shakhtar Donetsk, I am so sad to be leaving my home for the past three years - Arsenal Football Club.
"Arsenal is a very special football club and I will miss so many people - my team-mates, all the staff and, of course, the wonderful Arsenal supporters.
"When I first came to England, I could not speak the language and knew nobody, but as soon as I arrived I was made to feel at home and part of this big family.
"I had some very difficult times with my injury, but Arsenal was always there for me - the medical staff, the management, the players and the supporters. Thank you everybody.
"Although I have now left the club, Arsenal will always be in my heart. I will always look for the Arsenal results and of course, I wish Arsène Wenger and the great players at the club well for next season and the future."
