Oleksandr Zinchenko's Arsenal feelings clear as wife who slammed Pep Guardiola drops statement

Oleksandr Zinchenko completed his transfer from Arsenal to Ajax on Sunday – and both he and his wife have made their feelings on his time with the Gunners clear

Oleksandr Zinchenko’s wife has taken to social media after the defender completed a permanent move to Ajax from Arsenal. The Ukraine international had been at Nottingham Forest on a season-long loan.

However, that deal was ended by mutual consent, with the 29-year-old instead moving to the Netherlands to join the Eredivisie side. Zinchenko had been with the Gunners since July 2022 and played 91 times across three seasons before his spell with Forest, which began in September.

Taking to Instagram after news of his departure from the Emirates Stadium was confirmed, the left-back wrote: “To the Gunners. I will never forget the way you welcomed me.

“Still remember the goosebumps I got at the first game after hearing your ‘Always beliiiiiieeeve’. I couldn’t even dream about it.

“From the deepest place in my heart I would like to say a massive thank you for everything that you have done for me and my family.

“To the coaching staff, thank you for the opportunity to be a small part of this amazing club. To the players, thank you for the priceless experience, fantastic memories and becoming friends for life.

“To all the staff, thank you for your help and for looking after me and my family. And of course to the fans, for love, support and criticism which we as players need to accept and work even harder.

“I just want to wish you all the best and hope you achieve everything whatever you wish. Once a Gunner always a Gunner. Thank you @arsenal.”

And following on from her husband, Vlada Zinchenko also took to Instagram, writing: "lt's time to turn another page in our football story. Arsenal will forever be associated with many happy memories, warmth, and love. It was a great honor for us to be part of such a big club. Thank you for everything. Good luck, Gunners."

Sports reporter Vlada hit the headlines back in 2020 when she criticised Pep Guardiola for the tactics he deployed during Manchester City’s defeat to Lyon in the Champions League.

Speaking on her YouTube channel, she said: “Perhaps I have no right to say this, perhaps Zinchenko will forbid me. But to put it mildly, and in order not to swear, this is completely Guardiola’s fault.

“At such a crucial moment, making such an experimental tactic for Man City is a bummer. I have no right to criticise, but why play three central defenders when the players themselves take their heads.

“I simply have no words, because to have such a line-up… look what players play at Man City, what a bench. Literally few clubs in the world can boast such reserves.”

Speaking a year later, Vlada revealed Guardiola had not forgotten her infamous rant at his tactics, revealing: “It was his birthday – 50 years old.

“Zina (Zinchenko) is always Zina. Firstly compliments, best wishes, but then there must be a fly in the ointment.

“Zina told him, ‘already 50, old age’. Kidding in his own style. Pep looked at him and said: ‘Alex, the most important for me is to be liked by your wife and all will be okay’…”