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Topics: Football, Arsenal, Premier League, Mikel Arteta, Transfers
Chris Byfield
Topics: Football, Arsenal, Premier League, Mikel Arteta, Transfers
Arsenal midfielder Mohamed Elneny hinted he will like to retire at the Emirates.
Despite a recent hiccup in form that has seen Arsenal fall to two consecutive draws, the club are having a sensational season.
Mikel Arteta’s men are currently four points clear of reigning champions Manchester City at the Premier League summit, having been leading the pack for a large portion of the season.
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And while injury may have ruled Elneny out for the remainder of the campaign, the Egypt international is playing a part in Arsenal’s Premier League title challenge behind the scenes.
Elneny, who is recovering from a knee surgery he underwent in January made just eight appearances for the Gunners this term but is the longest-serving player at the club.
His standing in north London was cemented when he was awarded a new one-year deal despite his injury.
Upon signing the new deal, Elneny hinted that he was prepared to retire at Arsenal.
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The 30-year-old, who joined Arsenal in January 2016, told PA media via the Independent: “[The new contract] was really special because I love this football club. They care as much about me as I care about them and they showed that it was a really good feeling.
“When I got my injury, they spoke to me straight away, Mikel, on day one after my injury. Of course, that is something special to me. The first ever interview I gave when I signed, they asked me about what I saw in the future – I said I wanted to be an Arsenal legend.
“I still want to be that, I want to stay here as long as I can because of how much I love this club. I don’t think I would be able to go and play for a different team any more.
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“That is why every day I come here to give everything, to make sure I can stay here as long as I can.”
Elneny is keen to extend his stay beyond the 12-month extension, adding that even beyond his playing days he aims to follow in the footsteps of former Arsenal team-mates Per Mertesacker and Jack Wilshere by taking up a role at the club.
“I have done by B licence and in July I start the A licence – I want to take the badges because when I finish football I will be ready to go straight into coaching,” he said.
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“Of course, it would be my plan to coach at Arsenal, I know how good the coaches at this club are but if there is a place for me then I would be happy to stay.
“I think it adds something to have been a player here; Mikel, Per, Jack – they care so much because they feel like they are a part of this family. When you are a coach you have to care even more.
“They came home because of how great this club is and they give everything for the club all over again.
“They know all the people (at the club) and the people know them, they know how to deal with people – that is why it is easier.”