Former Gunner receives gift on 1st return to the Emirates Stadium | OneFootball

Cedric Soares received a gift from Edu Gaspar and Mikel Arteta whilst attending Arsenal’s game against Southampton over the weekend.

Cedric Soares attending Arsenal’s match against Southampton (Photo via Cedric on Instagram)

Former Arsenal right-back Cedric Soares was in attendance to watch two of his old clubs battle it out as the Gunners faced Southampton at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday.

The defender shared a photo on his Instagram story (seen above) in attendance at the fixture, evidently sitting in the directors’ box.

After the game, further photos showed Cedric receiving a gift from Arsenal technical director Edu Gaspar and head coach Mikel Arteta to honour his time at the club.

Edu Gaspar and Mikel Arteta give Cedric Soares a gift on his visit to the Emirates Stadium (Photo via Cedric on Instagram)

The gift was a framed Arsenal shirt from Cedric’s final season at the club, seemingly signed by all the members of the squad, as well as Arteta himself.

Cedric confirmed his departure from Arsenal back in May and said: “What a team and what a club. When I say a team, I mean exactly that, quality in every player, the professionalism that you show and the amazing human beings you guys are, so thank you!

“When I say club I mean all the departments, all the staff that is constantly putting all the hard hours on and off the pitch to make it possible to fight at the highest level.

“When I say club it also means its heart and with this I mean you guys, THE FANS, that made this journey so unreal and unforgettable.

“So to all the fans, I thank you! You will always have a special place in my heart! COYG!”

Cedric Soares’ Arsenal gift (Photo via Cedric on Instagram)

The player is now a free agent, with no word yet on his next club, though there were some teams interested over the summer.

Cedric only played 124 minutes for Arsenal in 2023/24, but he made 64 appearances for the club overall. The right-back seemed to be a popular member of the squad, so it’s no surprise he’d be invited back and offered a gift.