Arsenal midfielder Mikel Arteta today thanked Liverpool Football Club for the help and support he received after suffering an injury during the match at Anfield on Saturday which left him needing hospital treatment.

Arteta wrote an open letter in which he expresses thanks to the club, the players and the supporters.

It reads:

I just want to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their help and friendship towards me on Saturday.

After my accident on the pitch, the Arsenal medical staff did a great job, together with everyone at Liverpool Football Club.

From Anfield, I was taken straight to the Aintree University Hospital, where they checked me, just as precaution.

Everything was fine and I was able to travel from the hospital and join up with my teammates for the train journey back to London.

I've since looked back at the TV images of when I was being taken off and just want to show my appreciation to the Liverpool fans at Anfield. It is touching to receive that response from the fans of a great club when I am leaving the pitch injured. Thank-you.

I also want to thank Pepe Reina and the Liverpool players who have sent me messages of support and friendship, this again is really touching and just shows class from a great football club.

And very importantly, a message to all the fantastic Arsenal fans, not only all those at Anfield on Saturday who were brilliant, but also those who have sent me many messages since Saturday. It is hugely appreciated. I cannot tell you how much this means to me.

It must have looked very serious to everyone as I left the pitch on a stretcher, but I'm pleased to say that I'm fine now and hope to be back on the pitch very soon.

Thank you everyone.

Mikel Arteta