Arsenal man will stay, says boss

Thursday, September 13, 2012
1:02 PM

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has rubbished reports that Bacary Sagna could leave the club.

The France right-back caused a stir last week by admitting he was disappointed with the club’s decision to sell Alex Song to Barcelona.

The revelations sparked rumours that Sagna, whose current Arsenal deal runs out in 2014, could be the next high-profile departure from the Emirates.

But Wenger has dismissed the rumours.

“Bacary loves the club and I think he will stay here,” he said.

“His interview doesn’t reflect the love he has for this club.

“He has always given full commitment.”

The Gunners chief added: “Bacary didn’t want to be negative, but you all know what you can do with any statement,” said the Arsenal boss.

“It is important to understand what he wanted to stay. What he wanted to say was not exactly the spirit of the whole thing, but you have the freedom to say what you want in life.

“It is also important you understand what people feel about the club and their job. It is always important to have good communication with them.”

Wenger added: “With Sagna we want to extend his contract. He is 29, so his contract finishes when he is 31. So of course we can’t give him five years.

“We lost players until now, but the situation is changing and will be in favour of Arsenal much more because of financial fair play.

“We will be in a very strong position.”