Wenger agrees three-year Arsenal deal
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has finally agreed a three-year contract extension with the London club, according to reports. The deal, which will keep Wenger at the Emirates Stadium until the summer of 2011, is set to be formally announced on Friday.
Wenger, 57, was out of contract at the end of the season, and there had been added uncertainty over his commitment to Arsenal following the controversial departure of former vice-chairman David Dein in April and the summer sale of Thierry Henry to Barcelona.
However, the French coach - who brought an unprecedented spell of success to the Gunners since his arrival a decade ago - is understood to have reached an agreement with the board to remain in charge.
Wenger had been keen to stress the continued speculation around what may happen in terms of a boardroom takeover would not distract him from the job of returning Arsenal to challenge for the top honours again.
It remains to be seen just what will develop with regards to the supposed interest of American billionaire Stan Kroenke and whether Dein, a close personal friend of Wenger, returns to the club down the line having recently linked up with Alisher Usmanov at the head of 'Red and White Holdings'.
Wenger said last month: 'It is true that is a gamble I take - but when I take a gamble at some stage, it is with people who are in charge.
'They tell me certain things, and I believe or believe not, then I say 'listen, I want to sign only one year'.
'It is down to me if I want a longer contract or not and there is a takeover, because I know from the moment I sign that it can happen.'
Despite all of the uncertainty and predictions of another unimpressive campaign, Arsenal have opened the new season in some style - qualifying for the group stages of the Champions League and are currently second in the Barclays Premier League table, unbeaten in four matches.
Wenger believes the recent comings and goings at the Emirates Stadium have actually helped the current squad grow stronger.
He said: 'Since the beginning of the season something has been happening in this team.
'They fight for each other, they have a great togetherness and love for the game.' |
發表於 2007-9-6 08:01 PM
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發表於 2007-9-11 12:05 AM
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