Toure open to new deal

Gunners defender hints at interest in extending stay

By James Dall   Last updated: 12th May 2009   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Toure open to new deal

Toure: Loves club

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Kolo Toure has hinted that he would be open to signing a new contract with Arsenal.

Uncertainty surrounded the Ivory Coast international's future when he had a transfer request turned down by the club in the winter transfer window, with Manchester City said to be interested.

However, the powerful centre-back, who joined the Gunners from Asec Mimosas in 2002, opted to remain at Emirates Stadium, despite his brother, Yaya, recently confirming he has endured a "tough and complicated season".

Toure has now declared his commitment to Arsenal, intimating that he would be interested in signing an extension to his current terms, which expire next summer.

He said in the Evening Standard: "There is still time on my contract and I hope the club will show that they need me.

Affinity

"When you love somebody it's important that they love you back. I have loved this club for years and I always give everything for the team.

"I have been here a long time and when I saw some players leaving the club last year that was difficult for me. Then when we didn't start the season well I was scared.

"You start to think that maybe the club don't need you any more. When it's like that and you are 28 you have to think about yourself as well. But I came back, I'm playing at the moment and I hope that will carry on.

"People know I love the club, nobody can say I don't. I believe you can only truly love one club in your career and my club is Arsenal."

Theo

Meanwhile, winger Theo Walcott has explained that he still struggles with the shoulder injury that sidelined him for four months earlier this season.

The teenager, who underwent surgery on the problem, said: "My shoulder feels as strong as anything but I think I'm still holding it slightly when I'm running to be honest - I've watched myself a few times on the TV and noticed that I've got my arm to one side.

"It's a natural thing, subconscious really, but I'm trying to get out of it and it's not something that anyone else has brought up to me."

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