Source: Telegraph
Arsene Wenger was key to Nicklas Bendtner's decision to stay at Arsenal
The Denmark forward agreed a new contract on Wednesday and, according to his father, could have easily chosen to move to another Champions League club in Europe. [LNB]'Many clubs wanted to sign Nicklas, and some of them are among the biggest clubs in the world," said Bendtner Snr. [LNB] Related ArticlesSlaven Bilic rails at Eduardo banGordon: Eduardo's ban 'worth it'Eduardo 'dive' debateEduardo ban ridiculousDefoe spurred on by World Cup pain"It would have been very easy to find a new, great club for him, and when the biggest clubs join in, then it is really flattering for Nicklas. But still Nicklas was never in doubt that what he wanted the most was to stay in Arsenal. [LNB]"He is so happy for his new contract, and the most important thing is that he, in Arsene Wenger, has a manager who shows him a lot of confidence. [LNB]"Wenger gives Nicklas space and time to develop both as a person and a player, and that is really unique on football's top level. Nicklas feels it is ideal for him to stay in Arsenal." [LNB]Wenger maintained considerable faith last season in Bendtner and, amid uncertainty over other players, even ended last season by saying that his priority was to ensure that both he and Robin van Persie signed new contracts. [LNB]'I've been here for five years now, and my development both on and off the pitch as a player and person is thanks to Arsène Wenger and the team here. [LNB]"We've got a group of players that is capable of achieving great success, and I am really excited to be a part of it,' said Bendtner."[LNB]Wenger added: 'Nicklas has impressed me highly with his application and determination over the last season, you can see that he wants to compete at the highest level and win things with his team-mates. [LNB]"He scored a number of important goals for us last season and he will look to replicate that again this year. However, it's not just about the goals, his all round contribution has improved and will continue to do so. I'm very pleased that he will be part of the team for years to come.' [LNB]
