Lord Of The Emirates: Wenger Agrees New Three-Year Deal With Arsenal

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Arsene Wenger has agreed a new three-year contract with Arsenal which will keep him at the club until 2017, according to Sky sources.

Wenger had gone nearly nine years without winning a trophy until Arsenal won their dramatic FA Cup final against Hull City on May 17.

There had been speculation that Wenger, who has led the Gunners into the Champions League for 17 straight seasons, could leave, with reported links with his former club Monaco.

Speaking after the deal on Friday, Wenger, who has now taken charge of 1,010 Arsenal matches, said: “I want to stay and to continue to develop the team and the club. We are entering a very exciting period. We have a strong squad, financial stability and huge support around the world. We are all determined to bring more success to this club.

“The club has always shown faith in me and I’m very grateful for that. We have gone through fantastic periods and also periods where we have had to stick together. Every time when that togetherness was tested I got the right response. I think I have shown some loyalty as well towards this club and hopefully we can make some more history. I am sure we can.”

Expressing delight at keeping the services of the frugal manager, Arsenal chairman, Sir Chips Keswick, said: “We are delighted that Arsène has renewed his contract for a further three years. He is a man of principle, who lives and breathes Arsenal. He has established Arsenal for its exciting playing style around the world, continues his commitment to young players and has the ability to bring top-class players to the club. I have no doubt we have an exciting future ahead of us with him leading the team.”

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The 64-year-old manager joined Arsenal in 1996 and transformed the club on and off the pitch. They won the Double in 1998 and he signed a host of international stars such as Thierry Henry, Marc Overmars and Cesc Fabregas.

The 2003-2004 team will go down in history as ‘The Invincibles’, remaining undefeated for the whole title-winning Premier League season.