Arsenal's Facebook post wishing Mikel Arteta a happy birthday appears to have backfired due to a number of fans calling for the midfielder to leave the club.

The Spaniard, who moved to the Emirates from Everton in 2011, turned 32 years old on Wednesday.

Arsenal wrote on their official Facebook page: "Happy 32nd birthday to Mikel! Leave your message for the vice-captain below."

While some fans gave the midfielder birthday wishes, others expressed their dislike for the player, with one user writing: "I wish he will soon leave Arsenal.... OUT FROM THIS CLUB."

Another posted the comment: "Gives us all a present and hand in the armband not good enough to play for arsenal."

Reports have emerged this morning claiming that Arsenal have no plans to offer Arteta a contract extension.