Albert Sambi Lokonga has closed a chapter at Arsenal and left supporters with a short but powerful message. The Belgian midfielder posted a heartfelt farewell to the club on Instagram after completing a permanent move to Hamburg, and the post drew a number of reactions from current Arsenal players, including William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes.
Fans love a goodbye that feels real. Lokonga’s message did just that. It was simple, respectful and full of thanks. That made teammates and followers pause and react in a public way. In this piece we break down what he said, who reacted, and what the move might mean for both player and club. All of this is written in plain language so anyone can follow what happened.
What He Said and Who Reacted
Lokonga used his Instagram to thank the club and the people around him. He spoke about growth, learning and the emotions of leaving. In his message he said it was an honour to play for Arsenal and that he is leaving the club in a much better place. That kind of line shows both gratitude and a sense of closure.
The post did not go unnoticed inside the squad. William Saliba simply wrote “Strength my brother” under the post. Gabriel Magalhaes reacted with heart emojis. Other players, including Bukayo Saka, Emile Smith Rowe and Martin Odegaard, also showed support with likes. These reactions are small, but they matter. They tell a story that Lokonga left on good terms with many of his teammates.
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On the surface the reactions look casual. But when teammates publicly respond like this, it says something about dressing room respect. Footballers may not always be close off the field, but a farewell like this points to real human ties. Fans saw that and reacted online, with many leaving their own messages wishing Lokonga well in Germany.
What This Means for Sambi and for Arsenal
For Lokonga the move is about a fresh start. He joined Arsenal back in 2021 from Anderlecht for a fee reported to be around £16 million. At Arsenal he never became a regular starter and eventually found himself out of the first team picture. Loans to other clubs and limited playing time made it clear that he needed a new home to restart his career. The permanent transfer to Hamburg gives him that chance.
During his time with Arsenal he made 39 appearances but did not score for the first team. He also spent time out on loan at Crystal Palace, Luton Town and Sevilla. Those loan spells were mixed; sometimes he impressed, sometimes injuries or form held him back. The full stop on his Arsenal chapter gives him the chance to play regularly and rebuild confidence.
For Arsenal the exit is part of a wider summer of change. The club brought in several new players and also moved other squad members on. Mikel Arteta and the coaching staff have been reshaping the team to chase immediate goals. Letting Lokonga go permanently suggests the club believes the squad is stronger without him in the long term. It is not always a statement about talent. Often it is about fit and opportunity.
Why does this matter to fans who watched Lokonga arrive with big promise? Because football is as much about timing as it is about talent. A player can be very good but not find the right role at a particular club. In that sense the transfer could be the best thing for both sides. Arsenal free up space for other players, while Lokonga gets a fresh chance to show what he can do.
A Farewell That Feels Honest
Short messages can carry weight. Lokonga’s words were not dramatic or attention seeking. They were thoughtful. Saying thanks to the staff who work behind the scenes is a small line in the message, but it is meaningful. Those staff members are often invisible to fans, yet they play a major role in a player’s day to day life. A public thank you shines a light on that unseen work.
Sometimes fans read too much into a single post. Other times a post does reflect deeper team dynamics. In this case the friendly reactions from Saliba and Gabriel suggest respect rather than bad blood. That matters. Players leaving on good terms makes the football world smaller and friendlier. It also leaves the door open for future professional interactions, or for the player to return in a different role later in their career.
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Sambi Lokonga’s last words to the Gunners were short and clear. He thanked the club, acknowledged his growth and wished the Arsenal family well. For fans who wanted closure, this post provided it. For Lokonga, it is a step forward. For Arsenal, it is a small but sensible piece of the club’s summer puzzle. Everyone moves on, but the message leaves a positive feeling behind.