Stephan Lichtsteiner has confirmed that he will be leaving Arsenal when his contract expires at the end of June.

The experienced defender joined the Gunners on a free transfer last summer after leaving Juventus.

However, he struggled to adapt to the pace of the Premier League and was unable to make a significant contribution for Unai Emery’s side.

Lichtsteiner wrote a message to supporters on Instagram in which he reflected upon Arsenal’s run to the Europa League final, which ended with a defeat to Chelsea in Azerbaijan.

He wrote: “We were close to add an important chapter to this amazing club’s history. But to be close … is unfortunately not good enough. This is hard to accept. I’m very disappointed.

“It was our objective to bring Arsenal back on the highest international level and to win trophies. Both belong to this great club. I wish my teammates, my coach and his staff, all hard-working employees and all Gunner fans simply the best! 

“I’m confident our team can complete our mission next season! I loved to be a part of this club. 

“It was a great challenge and experience without a happy end, unfortunately. Thank you very much for your overwhelming support! It was much appreciated!”

Lichtsteiner made 23 appearances for Arsenal across all competitions, with his only goal for the club coming against Blackpool in the Carabao Cup.

Having been brought in to provide cover for Hector Bellerin, Lichtsteiner fell out of favour with Emery in the second half of the season, with youngster Ainsley Maitland-Niles getting opportunities ahead of him.  

35-year-old Lichtsteiner has been capped by Switzerland on over 100 occasions. He spent much of his career with Juventus, with whom he won seven Serie A titles in succession between 2011 and 2018.

Aaron Ramsey and Danny Welbeck will also leave Arsenal when their contracts expire at the end of the month, with Ramsey to join Juventus. 

Goalkeeper Petr Cech, meanwhile, has retired, and Denis Suarez will return to Barcelona following his forgettable loan spell.