The son of Jerry Quy, who was Gunnersaurus for 27 years, has spoken out after his father was sacked in October.
Quy, who filled the role since it was introduced in 1993, was let go alongside a series of other jobs around the club as part of Arsenal’s Covid-19 related cost-cutting drive.
His position was deemed no longer essential with games currently being played behind closed doors and no supporters to entertain.
Jerry Quy was made redundant after 27 years of filling in as Arsenal mascot Gunnersaurus
Gunnersaurus has returned but the role is now set to be rotated by other people going forward
Quy’s dismissal was slammed by fans and celebrities alike, while out-of-favour Gunners star Mesut Ozil offered to pay his wages.
Gunnersaurus was reintroduced on Tuesday but Quy has not returned and the club will use a number of people to play the mascot going forward.
His son Daniel posted a letter on Twitter on Friday titled ‘time for clarity and closure’.
He said: ‘My dad loyally served Arsenal in the much-loved role of Gunnersaurus, his alter ego, for 27 years (voluntarily for the first 14!), helping to create a character mascot that is hugely recognised across the world of football and beyond.
‘In response to the pandemic, Arsenal FC decided they would include the role of Gunnersaurus as part of their cost-cutting redundancy exercise, owing to the lack of matchdays and community opportunities.
‘Understandably so, as it wasn’t a full-time roll any more, but Gunner wasn’t about to become extinct. Just simply lose his familiar heart and soul.
Mesut Ozil had offered to pay the salary of Quy who was the man inside the famous costume
Ozil tweeted his delight at the return of Gunnersaurus to the Emirates Stadium this week
‘Unfortunately, Arsenal were unable to find a suitable way to include my dad in their ‘new normal’ part-time plans, or even offer him the chance to hand over his legacy. Perhaps they see him as an extinct dinosaur after all.
‘To “act with class” is an Arsenal value that I remember well from my time working at the club, and my dad certainly honoured that. However, I don’t feel this was reciprocated in how his journey ended.
‘All this to say, this unique and privileged job has given the family and fans alike many great memories, and all good things will eventually come to an end.
‘I’d like to thank George Allen for setting up the GoFundMe page, and Mesut Ozil and the hundreds of Arsenal fans who sent thoughtful messages and donations – I know this support means so much to my dad.
‘But it was never about the money, it was about my dad’s loyalty and memories of 27 fond years of Gunnersaurus. All funds received will be donated to charities close to my dad’s heart.’
The decision to part ways with Quy was ill-timed as details of his exit emerged on transfer deadline day which ended with Arsenal activating Thomas Partey’s £45million buyout clause and signing the midfielder on a £230,000 per week four-year deal.
Arsenal’s loveable mascot Gunnersaurus was let go, despite his 27 years of service at the club
Ozil pictured shaking hands with Gunnersaurus ahead of a match at the Emirates Stadium
But Quy and Gunnersaurus were so popular around the club that his sacking received widespread condemnation.
Ozil, whose contract runs out next summer, came to the rescue and offered to pay Quy’s wages while the German international remains at the club.
When announcing he would step in, the German said: ‘I was so sad that Jerry Quy aka our famous and loyal mascot and integral part of our club was made redundant after 27 years.
Piers Morgan had led the outcry against the decision, calling for a reversal of the decision
‘As such, I’m offering to reimburse Arsenal with the full salary of our big green guy as long as I will be an Arsenal player so Jerry can continue his job that he loves so much.’
The return of Gunnersaurus was confirmed in a tweet on Tuesday afternoon.
It contained a picture of the mascot stood by the side of the pitch with his thumbs up alongside the caption ‘Back at Emirates Stadium today’ as he launched the new Junior Gunners membership pack.
Ozil, who has been frozen out of the Arsenal team, responded to the picture saying: ‘Happy to see you back where you belong #YaGunnersYa’.
But Sportsmail understands the return of Gunnersaurus has nothing to do with Ozil’s offer and the club will use a number of people to play the mascot moving forward.
Holly Willoughby also joined the celebrities rallying support for mascot Gunnersaurus
The celebrities were joined by former Arsenal striker Ian Wright in expressing his sadness
Quy was not in the costume on Tuesday but has been offered the chance to fulfil the role in the future as part of a wider group of people who will play the role.
Celebrities including Holly Willoughby, Jack Whitehall and Piers Morgan joined the campaign to save Gunnersaurus last month.
Good Morning Britain presenter Morgan tweeted: ‘You’re going nowhere @Gunnersaurus. I refuse to let @Arsenal sack you. Come on @m8arteta @Aubameyang7 – this is not what our club is about. #savegunnersaurus,’ along with a series of angry emojis.
Willoughby wrote on Instagram: ‘Very very sad to hear the news that @officialgunnersaurus has been released by @arsenal. He was at my son Harry’s 1st birthday and he’s a hero in our house! He’ll never be extinct in our eyes. Bring back Gunnersaurus!’
Whitehall meanwhile added: ‘The streets will never forget,’ with a picture of the mascot while former Arsenal forward Ian Wright said: ‘Terrible news. Love you Jerry.’