Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has admitted that his side will miss the influence of both Tomas Rosicky and Mikel Arteta next season.
The duo will leave the club this summer, with Rosicky bringing an end to a 10-year stay at the Emirates and Arteta having been with the Gunners since 2011.
The latter was given a final outing during Arsenal's 4-0 victory over Aston Villa this afternoon, leaving the field in tears after the final whistle, and Wenger paid tribute to both of the departing midfielders.
"I think Tomas Rosicky is an incredible football player and highly respected in our dressing room. It was a very sad day for me yesterday not to pick him in my squad because it was something at stake," Wenger told reporters.
"We lose him, we lose Arteta, two leaders in the dressing room and I am convinced that in the bad periods they had a positive influence in the squad and we will miss them next season.
"I would like to thank them for what they have done for us and wish them well."
Rosicky made 246 appearances for Arsenal in all competitions, while this afternoon's match was Arteta's 150th for the club.
Barney Corkhill
