Arsenal Football Club News

• Nickname:Gunners
• Founded:1886
• Manager:Arsene Wenger

• Ground:Emirates
• Capacity:60,432

Wenger: Gallas is staying

10 Apr 2009 - 10:45:47

Click To Enlarge

Arsene Wenger has denied suggestions that injured defender William Gallas may have played his last game for Arsenal.

Gallas was ruled out for the remainder of the season on Thursday with a knee ligament injury picked up in the 1-1 Champions League draw against Villarreal earlier in the week.

The France international's long-term future at the Emirates Stadium has been in doubt after he was stripped of the club captaincy in November following an interview in which he criticised several team-mates.

But Wenger still believes the former Chelsea defender will be a part of his squad next season.

When asked if Gallas had played his last game for the Gunners, Wenger responded: "No, because he has a one-year contract to go. I envisage him to be here next year.

"He's had a challenging season. I believe he has certainly had to cope with a major disappointment.

"But we have to give him a lot of credit because he came back with great performances, so he dealt well with the situation."