Laurent Koscielny is happy with Arsenal, and can see no reason why he would want to leave the club.
The French international defender signed a new contract back in November, tying him to the Gunners until the summer of 2020, and has no intentions of leaving the club prior to the end of his deal.
Koscielny has played a key role in our first-team for seven seasons now, and is currently our vice-captain, although with Per Mertesacker playing limited matches, the 31 year-old is more often than not the captain on the field.
Bayern Munich have been credited with an interest in his signature for some time, while Marseille have made their intention to sign him this summer public, but the defender has ruled out any chance of him quitting the club.
“When I first got here, I didn’t think about how long I would stay at this club – but now I am starting my eighth season so I am very happy with this,” Koscielny said.
“I am happy in my life every day, not just the football but my life with my wife and kids in London. We enjoy it, that’s why I have stayed for a long time here.
“I have a long contract with Arsenal and I have [no reason] to leave the club. I am just here to enjoy my job and give everything for the team, and get the best results for the club. If i can do all of that, then I am happy.”
He added: “Arsene Wenger is a big [inspiration] for me. He bought me from France and has given me everything to help me play for Arsenal, and has helped me as a man too.
“I have a big [loyalty] to this club and to the boss too. I have stayed here for seven years and I have learnt a lot from him, so I am happy to be here with him and to fight for him because he is a great person.”
Koscielny is currently trying to regain full fitness following a back injury, but should be ready to play a key role in our exciting squad for the upcoming term.
Would Arsenal’s defence be lost without Koscielny? Can he play on until 2020 in a first-team capacity?
Pat J