Arsene Wenger's decision to leave the club he's managed for the last 22 years caught plenty of Arsenal players by surprise.

Following the announcement that Wenger will step down at the end of the season, several members of Arsenal's current squad were quick to thank the outgoing boss for the support he's given them in north London.

After the big news today it’s an opportunity for all the Gunners to show the love and appreciation to the man who created huge part of the history and legacy of @Arsenal and hopefully will leave with another trophy in his hands! Up to all of us to make it happen . #COYG pic.twitter.com/W9Tl56Dc8y
— Petr Cech (@PetrCech) April 20, 2018

Thank you for all the memories and for giving me the opportunity at Arsenal 🙏🏼🔴 #MerciArsène pic.twitter.com/1qbpzmZhrN
— David Ospina (@D_Ospina1) April 20, 2018

Personally a very sad day. I am forever in debt to this man. The person who had faith in me and gave me a platform to progress. Thank you for all the memories and trophies boss ❤ pic.twitter.com/EP26M6TP3W
— Héctor Bellerín (@HectorBellerin) April 20, 2018

The end of an era for @arsenal and also a very moving moment for myself. You've made me a Gunner. No matter what I say, I can never thank you enough for all you've done for this club. We'll give our all to make this a worthy farewell 🔴🙏🏼 #WeAreTheArsenal #22years pic.twitter.com/BaeDwoWL23
— Shkodran Mustafi (@MustafiOfficial) April 20, 2018

🙌🏻 pic.twitter.com/TPRrIgFUUi
— Mohamed ELNeny (@ElNennY) April 20, 2018

Boss, just recently I was saying how much you influenced my career. You taught me how to be the best leader & captain. It's an emotional day for us Gunners, you gave everything to the club & I’m so proud to be a part of your journey. My biggest thanks to you Arsène. #MerciArsène pic.twitter.com/fJQMCx05Y3
— Per Mertesacker (@mertesacker) April 20, 2018

We've asked you for your messages for the boss after his announcement - and we asked Granit too

Here's what he said...#MerciArsène pic.twitter.com/r7odd014nI
— Arsenal FC (@Arsenal) April 20, 2018

To the man who gave me my chance as a 16 year old, and showed unbeliveable faith and commitment towards me. Always a gentleman, like a father through tough times in my career. He always believed in me when most people didn't. Thank you for everything boss! It's down to us no… pic.twitter.com/wTmjTSYwNx
— Jack Wilshere (@JackWilshere) April 20, 2018

For Everything You’ve Done For Arsenal Football Club, For Trusting Me As A Teenager, For Giving Me The Opportunity To Express Myself And Grow Both As A Footballer And As A Person, I Will Forever Be Grateful To You Boss. Thank You So Much! pic.twitter.com/4QiECh6PUY
— Alexander Iwobi (@alexiwobi) April 20, 2018

Arsenal alumni also paid tribute to their former gaffer, despite some of them not having played for the club for a number of seasons.

Thank you Boss 👋🏻 #GunnersForLife pic.twitter.com/QZlJEh1Zue
— Lukas-Podolski.com (@Podolski10) April 20, 2018

Wow! pic.twitter.com/4yED6f4N8m
— Sol Campbell (@SolManOfficial) April 20, 2018

Thanks Arsene for all your confidence in me over the years. You are a very special man & a top coach! Definitely one of the very best ever! 1/2 pic.twitter.com/6Ry174GCIS
— Robin van Persie (@Persie_Official) April 20, 2018

I will always see you as my footballing father where under your guidance I had the chance to grow as a man and a player, i'm forever thankful for that and wish you all the very best for the next chapter in your life! #ThanksArsene #TheBoss 2/2 pic.twitter.com/ekhFNfExvN
— Robin van Persie (@Persie_Official) April 20, 2018

Sad day for @Arsenal with Arsene leaving, can we now give him the send off/respect he deserves?!! #rememberthetrophies
— David Seaman (@thedavidseaman) April 20, 2018

Obrigado por tudo .
Thanks for everything.#MerciArsène @Arsenal pic.twitter.com/EwEPDHSDAA
— Gilberto Silva (@GilbertoSilva) April 20, 2018