Arsenal captain Mikel Arteta has said an emotional farewell to Arsenal in his programme notes for today’s game against Aston Villa.

The Lego-haired Spaniard will be hoping for a final run-out today before calling time on on his career in North London.

“Planning these notes was quite emotional for me, because this is the last time I address you as an Arsenal player,” he said.

“My next step is to decide what I want to do. I have a few options open and I have a very clear idea of what I want to do, but I won’t get into that now. What I will say is that I am excited by the future. I love the game and I cannot live without football.”

Arteta joined from Everton in 2011, and spoke about his time at the club in glowing terms.

“For me it was a dream to come here because I always admired this club,” he wrote. “My Arsenal debut was something special.

“I was so happy and privileged to be part of this club. When you have a chance to get up on those steps at Wembley and lift a trophy, it’s unbelievable.

“Arsenal was my favourite club in England since I was a kid. To become the captain and share in the nice moments we’ve been through has been a spectacular experience for me. I hope whoever follows me as captain tries to maintain the values of this club, because that it what sustains us in the long term.”

He pays tribute to Arsene Wenger, hinting at some ups and downs with the manager, but speaking of the Frenchman with huge respect. He also speaks about Tomas Rosicky and Mathieu Flamini, also heading into their final playing day with the club, before his final goodbye.

“I would just like to thank you all so much for the way you have supported during my time here. It’s been a huge honour, a privilege, and I can only promise that I have done my best.

“I’ll always be proud that I was able to help give the fans some trophies, which they had been waiting a long time for. Winning two FA Cups in a row was special, but for me it’s not enough for a club like this. It shouldn’t be the ambition.

“Hopefully the new generation will take this club on and become fantastic leaders and heroes here.”

Top man, and good luck to him wherever he goes after today.