Eduardo has thanked Arsenal for his time in north London after joining Shakhtar Donetsk this week.

The 27-year-old left the Emirates for Ukraine in a deal reportedly worth £6 million, ending his three-year spell with the Gunners.

He spent much of that time recovering from a horrific ankle injury, and is grateful for the support he received from everyone at the club when times were difficult.

"The past few days have been very emotional for me," the Croatia international told Shakhtar's official website.

"Although I am excited about the challenge ahead with my new club Shakhtar Donetsk, I am so sad to be leaving my home for the past three years - Arsenal Football Club.

"Arsenal is a very special football club and I will miss so many people - my team-mates, all the staff and, of course, the wonderful Arsenal supporters.

"When I first came to England, I could not speak the language and knew nobody, but as soon as I arrived I was made to feel at home and part of this big family.

"I had some very difficult times with my injury, but Arsenal was always there for me - the medical staff, the management, the players and the supporters. Thank you everybody.

"Although I have now left the club, Arsenal will always be in my heart. I will always look for the Arsenal results and of course, I wish Arsene Wenger and the great players at the club well for next season and the future."

Eduardo scored 20 goals in 67 games in all competitions for the Gunners after joining them from Dinamo Zagreb.

Eduardo's time at Arsenal will forever be defined by the events of 23 February 2008, when he suffered a broken left fibula and an open dislocation of his left ankle in a match against Birmingham City, following a tackle by Martin Taylor, for which Taylor was dismissed.

Eduardo's injury was so graphic that Sky Sports, which was broadcasting the game live, decided not to show replays of the incident.