Source: Team_Talk
Gunners confirm new Wenger deal
Arsenal have confirmed that manager Arsene Wenger has signed a three-year contract extension, tying him to the club until June 2014.[LNB] The 60-year-old Frenchman, who is the north London club's longest-serving boss, joined the Gunners in 1996 and has led them to three Premier League titles and two FA Cup wins.[LNB]He said: "My heart belongs to Arsenal and my desire is to see this team win silverware. My commitment and drive are as strong and fresh as ever.[LNB]"Signing a new deal means that I can see this talented group of players reach their potential. Trust me, they are ready to deliver."[LNB]The deal indicates Wenger intends to see out his career at the Emirates. He told last week's Observer: "I am at the stage where if I extend my contract, it means I will finish my career at club level at Arsenal. If I go for a different challenge - I have been offered many challenges you know - it has to be now.[LNB]"That's a decision I have to make. But basically, I have no desire to change from here. I have one more year, and we are maybe thinking about extending it."[LNB]Having managed Monaco and Nancy in his native France and Nagoya Grampus in Japan, Wenger was seen as a surprised choice when he was appointed back in 1996, but he quickly won the fans over.[LNB]He led the club to third place in his first season, before guiding them to a league and cup double the following year.[LNB]Wenger's side claimed a second double in the 2001/2 campaign, and two seasons later he led his team to a third league title without losing a game.[LNB]The Gunners have not won a title since 2005, though.[LNB]He told the club website: "I feel that we have not won for a few years now and it's important to get back to winning trophies because we have gone for a certain policy.[LNB]"We maintained the club at the top level, but we want to get to the next step, to win trophies and to win the title and the Champions League of course.[LNB]"I believe there are decisive years in front of us, but as well, very exciting years in front of us because the team has matured a lot, there is a lot of potential and that is what I want to show, that we have made the right decisions and that we can win."[LNB]Arsenal chairman Peter Hill-Wood added: "We are thrilled that Arsene has signed an extension to his contract.[LNB]"He has masterfully transformed this football club over the last 14 years and the exciting and compelling football we play under his stewardship is admired the world over.[LNB]"Arsene is a very talented man and we believe the young, exciting team he has nurtured over the past five years will reward his and the fans' patience with silverware."
