CARL JENKINSON has ended his eight-year stint at Arsenal after signing for Nottingham Forest.
The right-back has dropped down to the Championship after the two clubs agreed a £2million fee.
Jenkinson, 27, signed from Charlton in 2011 and had loan stints with West Ham and Birmingham City.
Boss Unai Emery kept him at the club last season but he was limited to just three Premier League appearances.
Jenkinson told Forest's official site that the desire of a fresh challenge convinced him to join the City Ground on a three-year deal.
He said: "I'm really happy that everything has been sorted out now and I'm looking forward to getting to the training ground and meeting the boys.
"From speaking to the head coach, it's clear that the club has real ambition with the signings that have been made and although it is going to be tough to get out of this league, we'll give it a real go this year.
I've got plenty of minutes in my legs already so I'm raring to go now.
"The Championship is a very challenging league. It's physical with a fast tempo and most teams play with a high press.
"It is a massive challenge but it is a league I've played in before so I know what it's all about and I'm looking forward to getting started.
"The gaffer was one of the main reasons behind me wanting to come here to be honest.
"I liked what he had to say about his footballing philosophy and the way he wants to play.
"I've come from a football club that likes to play the right way and I wanted to join a club that plays that same way so that was important to me and the gaffer was very clear on that.
"I've played four games this pre-season and I probably played more than the other Arsenal boys on the tour of America because one of the lads got injured and I ended up playing three games on the bounce. I've got plenty of minutes in my legs already so I'm raring to go now."
Arsenal fans appear sad to see the back of Jenkinson after he build a rapport with the supporters.
One said: "Top Gooner. Best of luck, Jenko."
Another added: "Thanks for everything Carl. Top man and a proper Arsenal fan. Good luck for the future.
"Will never forget how proud he was to represent us."
A statement on Arsenal's official site read: "Carl made a total of 70 appearances for us, scoring one goal, against Norwich City.
"We would like to thank Carl for his contribution to the club and everyone at Arsenal wishes him all the best for his future."
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