Arsenal defender Pablo Mari has confirmed that he will be leaving the Gunners following a three-and-a-half year spell. The 29-year-old Spanish centre-back joined the Gunners in January 2020 from Brazilian giants Flamengo, but after failing to establish himself as a regular starter under Mikel Arteta, he spent last season on loan at Monza. Making his mark over 31 appearances, the Italian top-flight side have been so impressed with Mari’s performances that they’ve agreed to pay a reported €6 million (£5.1m) to keep him permanently.
Pablo Mari waving at Monza fans. Source: Getty His loan spell included being stabbed in the back during a supermarket attack near Milan, forcing him to undergo surgery and spend three months on the sidelines. Fortunately, the Mallorca Academy graduate was able to pick up where he left off and following the announcement of his transfer, has waved goodbye to Arsenal. Announcing his exit from Arsenal, Pablo Mari said; “As my contract with Arsenal comes to an end, I wanted to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of you.
Pablo Mari on loan for Monza. Source: Sports Press Photo “Thank you for giving me the opportunity to represent this great and historic club, for all the memories we lived together and for the support I always received. “It has been an immense honor to wear the Arsenal jersey and win two titles with this club. The Gunners will always have a place in my heart!” Mari leaves Arsenal with a record of one goal from 22 matches in all competitions for the Gunners, netting his solitary strike against Rapid Vienna in the Europa League in December 2020, while winning one FA Cup and one Community Shield.