Leeds United captain Ethan Ampadu has won every Arsenal fans heart with his message after the premier league Title victory
*“Once a Gunner, always a Gunner” – Leeds United captain Ethan Ampadu wins every Arsenal fan’s heart with message after Premier League title victory*
Leeds United captain Ethan Ampadu didn’t need to say much to win over Arsenal fans. A single post after Arsenal clinched the Premier League title on the final day was enough to remind everyone why he’s still one of the club’s most loved former players.
*The message that went viral*
Arsenal beat Bournemouth 2-0 at the Emirates to seal their first Premier League title since 2003/04. Minutes after the final whistle, Ampadu posted on Instagram:
“Massive congrats to Arsenal. You’ve been the best team all season. Once a Gunner, always a Gunner. Enjoy it, you deserve it ❤️🤍”
He added a photo of himself in an Arsenal shirt from his 2017/18 debut season. The post hit 180,000 likes in under 4 hours, with replies from Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice, and thousands of fans calling him “class” and “a real Gunner”.
*Why it hit different for Arsenal fans*
Ampadu left Arsenal for Chelsea in 2017 at 16, but he’s never hidden his affection for the club. His father Kwame was an Arsenal academy coach, and Ethan came through the Hale End system before moving to Stamford Bridge.
Even though he never made a Premier League appearance for Arsenal, he’s spoken often about how much the club shaped him. After Leeds were promoted last season, he said playing against Arsenal was “special” and admitted he still watches every game.
That connection is why his message landed. In an era where players rarely acknowledge former clubs publicly, Ampadu’s post felt genuine.
“He didn’t have to say anything,” one fan wrote. “But he did, and that’s why we love him.”
*Ampadu’s season at Leeds*
The 25-year-old has had a huge year as Leeds captain. He led Daniel Farke’s side back to the Premier League, winning the Championship title and the PFA Community Champion award for his work off the pitch.
He’s been ever-present at the back, playing 32 Premier League games and helping Leeds sit 15th with two games to go. His leadership has been praised constantly, even in the 4-0 loss to Arsenal in March where he urged calm and said the team still believed in themselves. c732
Arsenal fans remember him from his brief cameo in the first team under Arsène Wenger. He made his debut at 16 in the Carabao Cup and became the youngest Arsenal player in a European competition. He left for Chelsea that summer, but the respect never faded.
*A message of class*
Ampadu’s post wasn’t about stirring up rivalry. It was a simple congratulations from someone who understands what winning the league means to Arsenal fans.
“Once a Gunner, always a Gunner” is a line Arsenal supporters use a lot. Hearing it from Ampadu, who chose to leave but never badmouthed the club, made it hit harder.
Arsenal players noticed too. Saka replied with a heart and “Legend”. Rice posted “Respect skipper”. Even Mikel Arteta liked the post.
*What’s next*
Ampadu will finish the season with Leeds before turning attention to Wales’ Nations League fixtures. Leeds’ priority is staying up, and Ampadu’s leadership will be key.
For Arsenal, the celebrations continue with an open-top bus parade through Islington. But for one night, the focus shifted slightly to a former Hale End kid who still bleeds red and white.
As one reply put it: “He left, but he never stopped being one of us. Give him his flowers.”
