Wenger extends Arsenal tenure
Saturday, August 14, 2010
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Arsène Wenger said his "commitment and drive are as strong and fresh as ever" after signing a three-year contract extension with Arsenal FC that will keep him at the club until June 2014.
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Arsenal FC have announced that manager Arsène Wenger has signed a three-year contract extension with the UEFA Champions League contenders.
The deal ties the 60-year-old, already the Gunners' longest-serving manager, to the north London club until June 2014. "My heart belongs to Arsenal and my desire is to see this team win silverware," said Wenger, whose side open their Premier League campaign against Liverpool FC on Sunday. "My commitment and drive are as strong and fresh as ever. Signing a new deal means that I can see this talented group of players reach their potential."
Wenger has steered Arsenal to seven major trophies – including the title in 2003/2004 without losing a game – in his 14 years since succeeding Bruce Rioch in September 1996, though they have not won one since lifting the FA Cup in 2005. Peter Hill-Wood, the Arsenal chairman, said: "Arsène is a very talented man and we believe the young, exciting team he has nurtured over the past five years will reward his and the fans' patience with silverware."
Arsenal have qualified for the UEFA Champions League In each of Wenger's 13 full seasons at the club, and reached the final in 2006 when they lost to FC Barcelona in Paris. They enter this season's edition at the group stage and will find out their opponents on 26 August when the draw is made in Monaco.
