Thomas Vermaelen claims to have no intention of leaving Arsenal, with it his desire to repay the faith shown in him by the club and Arsene Wenger.
Defender living the dream at Emirates Stadium
Thomas Vermaelen claims to have no intention of leaving Arsenal, with it his desire to repay the faith shown in him by the club and Arsene Wenger.
The Belgium international arrived at Emirates Stadium from Ajax in 2009 and has gone on to become a key figure in the Gunners' first team plans.
His presence within their back four is considered to make Arsenal a much stronger outfit, with his recent injury troubles having seen them struggle.
Vermaelen is honoured to be a leading figure at such an illustrious club and has hinted that he will look to see out his playing days in North London.
"I have no intention of leaving this club," the 26-year-old defender told the
Sunday Mirror.
Elite
"I feel at home in London and I feel that I have become a real Gunner. Arsenal is my club. In my eyes, they belong to the absolute elite of European top clubs.
"We are going for the Champions League again and this team can grow further.
"When I was young, I dreamed of playing for Ajax and Arsenal. Both dreams have come true."
Wenger handed Vermaelen the opportunity to fulfil his Gunners dream and he will be forever grateful to the French coach for sticking by him during his injury hell.
He added: "I have never known a manager so loyal to his players. He shows immense trust and has shown incredible loyalty towards me.
"I was sidelined for a long time with two nasty injuries. But it was under the orders of the manager that the board gave me a new contract until 2015. I can't describe the joy that gave me."