Arsenal youngster shares farewell message after being released | OneFootball

Arsenal academy goalkeeper Alexei Rojas has sent a farewell to the club, following the announcement that he’ll be released this summer.

Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images

20-year-old goalkeeper Alexei Rojas was one of a number of players on Arsenal’s released list published earlier this week, meaning he’ll become a free agent at the end of his current contract on June 30th.

Responding to the news on his Instagram page, Rojas sent a farewell and a thank you message to the club.

“I am incredibly pleased to have spent 8 years at Arsenal Football Club,” Rojas wrote. “Progressing through from the academy to the first team. Every step of the journey has taught me about what it takes to perform as an elite athlete, on and off the pitch.”

Photo via Rojas on Instagram

“It has been a true privilege to work with so many elite people across the years,” Rojas added. “I extend my gratitude to all of the coaching staff, performance & medical teams, chefs, ground staff, security team, and everybody involved with Arsenal.

“This club has helped shape me as a player, and as a person. I will always be grateful for the opportunities, lessons, and memories that I’ve gained here.

“And to the Arsenal fans, thank you for your unwavering support, passion, and love for the club. Wearing this badge has been a privilege, and hearing your encouragement every step of the way is something I’ll never forget.

“I have decided to take the best step for my career and begin a new stage in my professional journey, with new challenges ahead of me. Great things are achieved by taking bold risks. This club will forever be in my heart.

“Once a Gunner, always a Gunner. Thank you, Arsenal ❤️”

Photo via Rojas on Twitter

Rojas effectively had a role as a training goalkeeper with the Arsenal first team for most of this season, rarely playing academy matches but often joining Mikel Arteta’s side for practice sessions.

To sum it up, Rojas made as many appearances in the Arsenal senior squad as the u21 squad in 2025/26, making the bench for the Champions League game against Slavia Praha, and appearing for the u21s in an EFL Trophy fixture against Cardiff City.

Though that was partly because the goalkeeper was away with Colombia for the u20 World Cup throughout October, it was also simply the case that Arsenal preferred to use Rojas in senior training than in academy fixtures.

Still, over the course of his career, Rojas played 21 times for the Arsenal u18s, u19s, and u21s. He’ll now be on the hunt for a new club this summer.