Football
PA Sport 9y

'I am here for good,' says Arsenal goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny

Goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny insists he will not leave Arsenal this summer and is "here for good."

The Poland international recorded a clean sheet as the Gunners defeated Aston Villa 4-0 to win the FA Cup at Wembley on Saturday.

However, Szczesny has not played in the Premier League since being dropped following the defeat at Southampton on New Year's Day, which had been another inconsistent display and one after which he was disciplined for smoking in the showers.

Colombia international David Ospina, signed from Nice last summer, has produced a number of solid displays since coming into the team, which will provide some stern competition for the goalkeeper's jersey next season.

Arsenal, however, are also said to be weighing up a £10 million move for Petr Cech with the experienced stopper expected to leave Chelsea.

Szczesny, though, sees no reason to feel his long-term position at Arsenal should be the subject of any backpage headlines.

"I am very grateful for the manager, he has been good with me over these last couple of months and has shown all the faith in the world in me and I am very thankful for the chance to play in the cup final and am very glad of a clean sheet," the 25-year-old said.

"You [media] like to speculate, but I am happy where I am.

"I have got all the support in the world from the manager and I have fantastic relations with him, so you can stop the gossip now because I am here for good. I will stay."

Gunners boss Arsene Wenger was not in the mood for discussions on any possible interest in Cech when pressed over next season's plans after a successful FA Cup defence.

"I don't know at the moment. We have just won the [FA] Cup. It is difficult for me to come out of the game like that and say who I will buy and not buy," Wenger said.

The Arsenal manager, however, felt Szczesny had performed well under testing circumstances, which have included more criticism from his estranged father over the goalkeeper's development.

"Wojciech was very good. It was a very difficult decision because if it doesn't work it will be questioned, but I think it was a good decision," said Wenger.

Asked if Arsenal could move forwards with their current goalkeeper set-up, Wenger added: "If you look at the stats, Ospina is the best keeper in the league. You might not share that opinion, but if you look purely at mathematics.

"We will give you the answer after the transfer window."

Arsenal club captain Mikel Arteta was not part of the match day squad at Wembley as his rehabilitation from injury continues, but joined Per Mertesacker in leading the team up to the Royal Box to collect the trophy.

The 33-year-old, signed from Everton on deadline day in August 2011, is set to agree a contract extension with his current deal expiring this summer.

Wenger said: "[It is] nearly [signed].

"He has a part to play. He was not in the squad [at Wembley], but he will be next season."

^ Back to Top ^