Mikel Arteta always maintained a positive relationship with David Luiz.
The 34-year old former Chelsea and PSG defender will leave Arsenal at the end of this season after just two seasons with the Gunners.
He is one of the five senior players expected to leave the club after a disastrous campaign.
The Brazilian made 73 appearances for the North London club since his arrival from Chelsea for a reported £8million in 2019.
“It’s after a few conversations that we had, David and I,” Arteta said in his pre-Crystal Palace press conference.
“We discussed this situation on different occasions and the other day we made the final decision on that.
“We have very clear talks in the last few months. He’s given his best. I tried to help him as much as I possibly could – the club as well.
“And after some conversations we decided that it was the best way to do it now.
“He’s a player who has won everything in football and has earned every right to do so through who he is as a player and as a person.
“I had the privilege to work with him for 18 months. I really enjoyed it. I think we got on really good. I think we had some great moments together.
“He’s been really helpful, someone who we really like and appreciate so much.
“So I say thank you to him and wish him the best of luck in his next chapter because I’m sure knowing David that he will have many more to come as a player and in the future somehow related to the game.
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