Arsenal defender Josh Nichols has penned an emotional farewell letter to the club after confirming his intent to leave the club.
The 19-year-old was part of the Gunners’ triumphant Premier League squad this season and trained regularly with the first team but did not make a competitive appearance, mainly representing the Under-21s.
He signed his first professional deal in 2024 but is set to depart when that contract expires next month. He will move to lower-league Croatian side NK Kustosija, with a two-year deal on the table.
And Nichols has now confirmed the news in a touching statement shared to his Instagram page, describing the club as his second family.
He wrote: “It’s hard to put into words what this club means to me. This hasn’t just been a team I’ve played for. It’s been a second family, a place where I started as a little boy, made lifelong memories, and shared unforgettable moments both on and off the pitch with my brothers!
“Over the past decade, I’ve experienced the highs, the lows, the victories, the disappointments, and everything in between. Through it all, my love for this club has never changed.
“Wearing this badge has always been an honour, and every time I stepped onto the pitch, I gave everything I had because this club means so much to me.
“I want to thank every teammate, coach, supporter, and most importantly my family for making these years so special. I loved every single moment Once a Gunner always a Gunner.”
A number of Arsenal first-team stars have responded to the message, with Myles Lewis-Skelly and Jurrien Timber among them. Manchester United’s Ayden Heaven also joined the chorus alongside Reiss Nelson and Andre Harriman-Annous.
Nichols departs the club with a sole senior competitive appearance to his name, which came in a 5-1 Carbao Cup defeat of Bolton in September 2024.
