Carl Jenkinson's stint at Arsenal has officially come to an end, eight years after signing.

He managed to realise his dream at Arsenal.

The right-back moved to the club he grew up supporting in 2011, signing from Charlton Athletic in a £1 million move.

Jenkinson would never truly break into Arsenal's first team.

In his eight years at the club, he made just 70 appearances in a red shirt.

He would also be sent out on loan on three separate occasions.

But despite being a bit-part player, he always gave his all in an Arsenal shirt.

He clearly loved playing for Arsenal and that was plain to see whenever he took to the field.

It was his attitude that saw him become a cult hero.

On Tuesday, he became Arsenal's longest serving player after Laurent Koscielny departed for Bordeaux.

And a day later he would finally say goodbye, sealing a £2 million move to Championship side Nottingham Forest.

He wrote an emotional message on Instagram following the news.

"This is a message that is hard to write so I’m going to keep it short. I’m leaving Arsenal in pursuit of a new challenge and a fresh start, and ultimately to play regular football again," he said.

"I can’t really put into words what it has meant to me to play for this club, but what I can say is I have truly lived my dream. This brings me to you, the proper Arsenal fans, as I have lived your dream too.

"It has been an up and down journey for me but I hope you all have seen how much it has meant to me and know that I have given it my all.

"I have played 70 games for Arsenal which if you told me I would do as a kid I would’ve laughed at you. I take many great memories and friendships from my time at this special football club, and it is a chapter in my life that I will cherish forever.

"I see a great future for this club under the current manager and coaching staff, and I look forward to seeing this unfold. As for now, I’ll take my seat back in the stand, as a fan, with the rest of you."

Despite being a backup player, Jenkinson lasted 2,913 days at the club.

That also equates to 95 months or 416 weeks in north London.

It is well and truly the end of an era for Arsenal.