Vermaelen Shows Van Persie How To Be A ‘Real Gunner’

Thomas Vermaelen has given Arsenal a boost by declaring his love for the club and insisting he will remain at the Emirates to repay the faith manager Arsene Wenger has shown in him.

Speaking to the Daily Mirror, Vermaelen paid tribute to Wenger and his management style, saying the loyal Frenchman persuaded the Arsenal board to extend his contract until 2015, despite the defender being dogged by two serious injuries in recent seasons. The Belgian centre back told the Mirror:

“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.”

“I am fit again and I love my life at Arsenal,” he said. ­“Arsene Wenger is a coach who really understands his players. In the most hectic of times, he gives us days off. We really love that. He knows when we need a rest.”

The ‘Verminator’ went on to commit his long-term future to the club, saying he has become a ‘real Gunner’, with the former Ajax captain revealing he has fulfilled a dream by playing for Arsenal. He continued:

“I have no intention of leaving this club,” he said. “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.” Vermaelen told the Mirror

It’s great to see Vermaelen saying such positive words during a time when Arsenal fans are worrying over the future of several players. At least we know one key player will still be at the Emirates next season, and should the worst happen and Van Persie leave in the summer, TV5 would get my vote as the next captain.

But the question is, should Van Persie follow Vermaelen’s lead and also repay the faith Arsene Wenger has shown in him by committing his future to the club? Let’s not forget, this is RVP’s first full season after years of injury problems. Get involved in the comments section below…