Vermaelen agrees Arsenal extension
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
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Arsenal FC have awarded Thomas Vermaelen a new long-term deal, their injured Belgian international centre-back saying: "I always intended to stay, there's big belief in me here."
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Centre-back Thomas Vermaelen has put pen to paper on a contract extension at Arsenal FC, signing a new long-term deal with the club.
The 25-year-old Belgian international is sidelined with an ankle injury, making only two league appearances so far this season having been restricted to just five in 2010/11 by an Achilles problem. He has nevertheless agreed a new deal, saying: "I always intended to stay here. There is big belief in me from the club, from Arsène Wenger and from the fans. Arsenal are a great club with some quality young players which bodes well for the future. I am really happy to have signed a new contract."
Wenger, whose side visit Olympique de Marseille in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday looking to add to their four Group F points, said: "We are delighted Thomas has signed a new long-term contract. Our plan is always to sign top-quality players and Thomas is exactly that. He always makes a huge contribution on the pitch and we look forward to that continuing in the future here at Arsenal."