Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has insisted he will not be celebrating his 65th birthday on Wednesday, and has stressed that his advancing years are not diminishing his ambition to win major honours with the north London club.
Wenger has come under fire from some Gunner supporters once again after an indifferent start to the Premier League season. His side are 11 points behind leaders Chelsea after just eight games, but he has claimed he is more motivated than ever to succeed.
Wenger's birthday will coincide with Wednesday's Champions League game against Anderlecht in Brussels and he is insistent that his focus will be on the action on the pitch.
"I honestly feel more motivated, more than ever," Wenger told reporters. "Do I feel young? No, my age is my age. You have to live with that. Until now I am lucky to be in shape, but the desire and motivation is stronger than ever.
"My energies are only driven by that. I want the club and the team to do as well as they can, it's my dream, I want to give absolutely everything for my team to do it.
"I am so keen to do well with my team this season. Hopefully we can do it. I feel there is huge potential there.
"We want to add something. That little percentage where we can improve is vital. Sometimes it depends on just a fraction more."
When asked whether he will celebrate his birthday after the game, he was quick to dismiss any such thoughts as he stated: "I won't celebrate, I am not a celebrator of birthdays. I just think what is important tomorrow is my team performs well. I will dedicate all my energy to get things right and perform."