Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain thanks Arsenal fans for 'always having my back' in emotional message after 'surprise' exit

The 24-year-old, who is currently on international duty, took the time to thank Gunners fans after six years at the Emirates

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has left Arsenal after six years at the Emirates (Getty)

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has penned an emotional message to Arsenal fans after completing his £40m move to Liverpool.

The Merseyside club announced the signing of the England midfielder, who has has signed a five-year deal, on deadline day.

Liverpool moved for Oxlade-Chamberlain this week after the player turned down the chance to join Chelsea.

And the 24-year-old, who is currently on international duty, took the time to thank Gunners fans after six years at the Emirates.

"After six years, three FA Cup wins and countless incredible memories, the time has come for me to move on from Arsenal," he wrote on social media. "I want to publicly thank Arsene, the coaching and club staff and my amazing team mates for all of the incredible opportunities I have been given.

"Thank you so much to you the fans, who have always had my back - I honestly couldn't be more grateful. The club, and my time here, will always mean a massive amount to me.

"I know my choice might come as a surprise to many, and the decision to leave was tough after being a part of the club for so many years, but I feel that this move is right for the next stage in my ongoing development."

Oxlade-Chamberlain becomes Liverpool’s fourth signing of the summer following the arrivals of Mohamed Salah, Dominic Solanke and Andrew Robertson.

The Merseyside club are still pursuing deals for Monaco winger Thomas Lemar and Southampton centre-back Virgil van Dijk, though both will be significantly harder to pull off than the acquisition of Oxlade-Chamberlain.