Kieran Tierney Bids Emotional Farewell to Arsenal Ahead of Celtic Return

The 27-year-old defender will rejoin his boyhood club next month, marking the end of a memorable chapter with the Gunners.

Celtic have confirmed Tierney’s return, having agreed to pre-contract terms earlier this year. The move ends months of speculation surrounding the Scotland international’s future, as fans eagerly anticipated a reunion with Brendan Rodgers at Parkhead.

Tierney’s final appearance in an Arsenal shirt came in the club’s last Premier League match of the season — a 2-1 victory over Southampton. Manager Mikel Arteta handed him one last start, and Tierney rose to the occasion by scoring his sixth goal for the club. It was a fitting send-off, underscoring his commitment and passion to the end.

Arteta praised Tierney’s contribution, noting that it was the defender’s intention to end on a high. “He was a big part of the journey,” the manager said, reflecting on the player’s role during his tenure.

Arsenal FC officially confirmed Tierney’s departure in its official retained list, naming him among 20 players set to leave the club this summer. High-profile exits include Italian international Jorginho and Women’s Champions League winner Lina Hurtig.

Speaking to Arsenal’s website, Tierney offered heartfelt thanks to the club and its supporters. “Just thank you for everything from day one,” he said. “They supported us through the good times and the bad, and they supported me through some hard times as well.”

He added, “I think that’s what I’m most grateful for,  the times where it wasn’t so good or so easy for me is when they probably supported me most, so I’m just very grateful and I feel very lucky.”

Tierney returns to Celtic not only with more experience but also with the deep appreciation of Arsenal fans, who watched him grow from a promising full-back into a seasoned professional. Now, he looks ahead to a new chapter in familiar colours.

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