Arsene Wenger paid tribute to the impacts made by Mikel Arteta and Tomas Rosicky as they said farewell to the Arsenal fans after the 4-0 win over Aston Villa.
A positive day for Arsenal saw them finish second in the Premier League for the first time since 2005 after Tottenham Hotspur's shock 5-1 defeat at relegated Newcastle United, and the manager was keen to praise the departing stars.
"They are extremely respected in the dressing room and it shows that in football there are still positive emotions," Wenger said at his post-match media conference.
"Tomas Rosicky was first an exceptional football player and highly respected in our dressing room. It was a very sad day for me not being able to pick him to be in the squad because there was something at stake. We lose him.
"We lose Arteta – two exceptional football players but also two leaders in the dressing room. I am convinced that in the bad periods they were a positive influence on the squad and we will miss them next season.
"So I would like to thank them for what they have done and wish them the best of luck."
Rosicky, 35, joined Arsenal in 2006 and received an award for 10 years of service, while 34-year-old captain Arteta spent five seasons with the club after signing from Everton in 2011.
Arteta is almost certain he has played for the last time as a professional and has been linked with a move to Manchester City to join the coaching staff of incoming boss Pep Guardiola from next season, although he suggested there is a possibility of remaining at Emirates Stadium in a similar capacity.
Having shed tears after the final whistle, he told Arsenal's official website: "I have to take some time. I'm 99 per cent sure I will stop playing football. I have different options now to continue in relation to this magnificent sport.
"I need to sit down with my family and decide what is best for me and for football in general in the next chapter.
"I love competing and I love this game. I wanted to decide when the time was to leave. I preferred to make that decision myself, and not the other away around. In my opinion, I'm leaving the best club in England for sure.
"I'm very happy because the people and the manager have been unbelievable for me these last few weeks. They have left the doors open for me at this club. That means a lot."
Asked whether he would try to claim Arsenal's final goal of the season, Arteta said: "I don't know. I couldn't write a better script probably. The boys have been absolutely magnificent with me in the last two days.
"The things I've experienced will stay with me for the rest of my life. It's a day I will never forget."
