Former Arsenal midfielder Mohamed Elneny has taken a surprise next step in his career, joining Greek side Levadiakos.
The 34-year-old had a long stint with the Gunners, joining from Basel in 2013 and leaving permanently in 2024 after making 161 appearances for the club.
The Egypt international moved to the UAE Pro League with Al Jazira, spending two seasons there before leaving over the summer.
After a spell as a free agent, Elneny has now joined Levadiakos, hoping to improve their fortunes as they currently sit bottom of the Greek Super League.
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The club finished sixth in the Greek top flight last season, but five matches into this campaign they have picked up just one point.
Also in the Levadiakos squad is former Chelsea youngster and England Under-21 international Jonathan Panzo, who has also played for the likes of Birmingham and Nottingham Forest.
They also signed experienced Slovakia international Norbert Gyomber this month, who has played for Roma, Perugia and Salernitana and won 55 caps for his country.
Speaking out on the latest move in his career, Elneny told club media: ‘Hello everyone, I just signed for Levadiakos in Greece. I’m very excited to start my journey. Inshallah everything will be good.
‘I’m ready for it. I will be 100 per cent for this club. I’m going to see you fans in the next game. I’m really excited to start my journey. See you guys.’
The club posted: ‘Mohamed Elneny welcome!
‘From the top stadiums in the world, now to… at our home, at “Lambros Katsoni”, with Levadeiakos’ jersey!
‘Our team is making another great signing move, bringing in a player with Premier League and Champions League performances, who has excelled for more than seven years in the Arsenal shirt and has more than 100 appearances with the Egyptian national team!’
Elneny is still a popular figure among Arsenal fans and celebrated their Premier League title success at the end of last season.
After Mikel Arteta’s men clinched the title, he posted on Instagram: ‘Soooooooooo Happy I can’t stop celebrating I can’t tell how i feel for this achievement for the club, the team, and the fans. I love you, Arsenal 🤩🤩🤩.’
After Champions League final defeat to PSG he wrote: ‘My beloved Arsenal fans.. Don’t be too disappointed… Be proud of this team and everything they’ve achieved. Keep believing and keep supporting them the way you always do. We are in the right direction. I’m so happy I got to experience this game from the stands with the Arsenal family for the very first time ❤️ Thank you for the incredible welcome and all the love. You made me feel like I’m really one of you, next year will be our time. Love you Gunners 🙏❤️.’