Diaby commits future to Arsenal
Friday, January 1, 2010
Article summary
Midfielder Abou Diaby has signed a new long-term contract at Arsenal FC with manager Arsène Wenger saying the 23-year-old "has the potential to be an influential part" of his side for years.
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Article body
Midfielder Abou Diaby has signed a new long-term contract at UEFA Champions League contenders Arsenal FC.
Influential role
The 23-year-old joined Arsenal from AJ Auxerre in January 2006 and has gone on to make 78 Premier League appearances for the Gunners, scoring eleven goals – the last of which came in Sunday's 3-0 win against Aston Villa FC. Manager Arsène Wenger said: "Abou has a huge presence on the pitch and has the potential to be an influential part of Arsenal for many years." Diaby added: "I'm very happy here which is why I'm so pleased to extend my contract." The north London club, who have also agreed a new deal with 19-year-old midfielder Henri Lansbury, play FC Porto in the UEFA Champions League first knockout round on 17 February and 9 March.