Belgian defender Thomas Vermaelen has rejected speculations linking him with a summer exit from the Emirates.
The highly rated defender had a bright start to his career at the Emirates, having scored 7 goals in 33 Premier League appearances in his first season, but he was then forced to miss a big part of the next season due to an Achilles injury.
Vermaelen says he is grateful to boss Arsene Wenger for standing by him during his long spell on the sidelines.
“I have never known a ¬manager so loyal to his players. He shows ¬immense trust and has shown incredible loyalty ¬towards me,” Vermaelen was quoted as saying in The Mirror.
“I was sidelined for a long time with two nasty injuries. But it was under the orders of the manager that the board gave me a new contract until 2015. I can’t ¬describe the joy that gave me.”
The 26-year-old has since developed into a key player for the Gunners and he has been in scintillating form this season, bagging 6 goals in 26 Premier League games to add to his impressive defensive displays.
Vermaelen admits he is delighted by manager Arsene Wenger and his treatment of the players.
“I am fit again and I love my life at Arsenal. Arsene Wenger is a coach who really understands his players.
“In the most hectic of times, he gives us days off. We really love that. He knows when we need a rest.”
The Belgian international says he has no plans of leaving the club any time soon.
“I have no intention of leaving this club. I feel at home in ¬London and I feel that I have become a real Gunner. Arsenal is my club. In my eyes, they belong to the absolute elite of European top clubs.”
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