ARSENAL

Jack Wilshere out for the year

2011-09-24T05:03:00.000-07:00

Arsenal's Jack Wilshere is expected to be sidelined for the remainder of the year, with the midfielder requiring surgery on his injured right ankle.

Wilshere has been recovering from a stress fracture and Arsenal medical staff hoped the problem would heal itself with the help of a protective boot.

Wilshere sidelined for the rest of the year

However, the club confirmed late on Friday evening Wilshere's ankle has failed to respond to the treatment and he will now undergo surgery on Monday morning.

"Throughout Jack's injury, the club has been guided by the continuous advice of several world-renowned specialists," said the statement on the club's official website.

"The information attained this week has led to the conclusion that surgery is now required to gain an optimal response. Wilshere is now expected to be out for a period of months. Following surgery these timescales will become more specific."

A club spokesman added: "We have given Jack time to heal naturally which is important wherever possible with a young player. The latest scans show surgery is needed. Everyone at the club wishes Jack a speedy recovery."

Wilshere has been troubled by his ankle throughout the summer, having sustained the original knock in the Euro 2012 qualifier between England and Switzerland in June, and then aggravating it in a pre-season game a month later.

And while it had been hoped Wilshere would return in a matter of weeks, manager Arsene Wenger is now expected to be without the player until the end of this year.

Wilshere wrote on his twitter account on Friday night: "Been in a boot for a month and the bone is not responding. i will have surgery on my right ankle on monday with the two best surgeons around.

"Hopefully i will return to action around christmas time. i am in good hands! thanks for your support everyone!"

I turn Down Liverpool for Arsenal - Benayoun

2011-09-15T04:23:00.000-07:00

Yossi Benayoun has revealed that he held talks with Liverpool prior to making a move to Arsenal on deadline day.

The Israeli left the Reds to join Chelsea during the summer of 2010, but injuries prevented him from getting his career going at Stamford Bridge and his former club were keen on bringing him back this summer.

Benayoun, in the UCL match against Dortmund

"I had a few good options from clubs in England and outside," Benayoun told reporters. "There was a few talks with Liverpool. A few teams but as soon as I heard about Arsenal my mind was made up."

The 31-year-old then made a move to Arsenal on a season-long loan following the exits of Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri to Barcelona and Manchester City respectively.

The former West Ham United man maintained that he knew his move would only take place on deadline day, as the Blues were waiting to wrap up a deal for either Raul Meireles or Luka Modric first.

"The media thought it was dramatic, but I knew it would go to the last day," said Benayoun. "There was an agreement between me and Chelsea that we would wait until then because they wanted to bring in another player - either Meireles or Modric.

"I first heard about the interest from Arsenal eight days before the end of the window and when I knew they wanted me it was an easy choice.

"Deadline day was calm for me. I flew in from Israel in the morning, from the national team, and knew it was going to happen."

Gunners Back on track - Arsenal 1 Swansea 0

2011-09-10T09:50:00.000-07:00

Arsenal got their Barclays Premier League campaign up and running with a narrow 1-0 win over gallant Swansea at Emirates Stadium.

The Gunners were in need of a response following their 8-2 humiliation at Manchester United before the international break.

However, for long periods the Swans - coached by assistants Colin Pascoe and Alan Curtis as manager Brendan Rodgers missed the game following the death of his father - more than matched Arsene Wenger's men, who included all five deadline signings in the squad.

Arshavin Scores the Only goal of the match. A huge mistake from Swansea Keeper

However, a mistake by Swansea keeper Michel Vorm, when his roll-out had hit defender Angel Rangel, just before half-time gifted a goal to Andrey Arshavin, which proved enough for the Gunners' first league win.

Arsenal had started brightly, with former Cardiff youngster Aaron Ramsey blasting over as Mikel Arteta orchestrated midfield on his debut.

It was, though, Swansea who almost snatched a shock lead on seven minutes.

The ball was swung in from the right and Danny Graham got in front of new arrival Per Mertesacker, but despite being wrong-footed Wojciech Szczesny made an acrobatic save to claw the striker's close-range effort off the line.

Arsenal were soon back on the offensive, and a quick break saw Arshavin release Theo Walcott. The England man slipped his shot under the advancing keeper, but Vorm had got just enough on the ball to slow it down as Steven Caulker, on loan from Tottenham, recovered to hack clear from in front of his own net.

Swansea were forced to defend deeper and deeper as Arsenal pressed for an opening goal.

A neat exchange between Robin van Persie and Emmanuel Frimpong, back from suspension, opened up space at the edge of the area, but the young midfielder dragged his shot wide.

Swansea, though, slowly grew in confidence and looked more comfortable on the ball, while Scott Sinclair provided a lively outlet on the left.

On 35 minutes, full-back Neil Taylor got away down the left and sent over a dangerous cross which flew right through the Arsenal six-yard area.

Arsenal went ahead five minutes from the break following a slice of good fortune.

Vorm tried a quick roll out on the right of the area, only to hit the heels of defender Rangel which left Arshavin to gratefully stroke the loose ball into the empty net from a tight angle.

Swansea made a strong start to the second half, when Walcott was cautioned for clattering into Taylor, the England striker protesting assistant referee Simon Bennett had missed a clear tug on him.

After 53 minutes, Laurent Koscielny followed into Stuart Attwell's notebook after scything down the lively Sinclair 20 yards out.

The former Chelsea man took the free-kick himself and clipped the ball against the top of crossbar.

At the other end, captain Robin van Persie, who was in top form for Holland during the international break, shrugged off two defenders before bursting into the centre of the Swansea area and was unfortunate to see his curling shot hit the outside of the right-hand post.

The Dutch forward then blasted over the bar having been set up at the edge of the box by Ramsey.

Arsenal Debutant Mikel Arteta during the match

Arsenal slowly started to build a period of sustained pressure without really stretching the Swansea backline.

Bacary Sagna's deep cross flew through the penalty area and just eluded van Persie at the far post.

Marouane Chamakh replaced van Persie for the closing 10 minutes and the Morocco striker almost had an instant impact when nodding a close-range header goalwards from Kieran Gibbs' left-wing cross.

Swansea, however, battled to the end and forced Arsenal back into some desperate defending as they forced a couple of corners during stoppage time as Graham blazed over from close range.

Arsenal legend Tony Adams is a special one : Per Mertesacker

2011-09-08T22:03:00.000-07:00

Per Mertesacker has spoken of his long-standing admiration for Club legend Tony Adams as he prepares to make his Arsenal debut against Swansea at the weekend. 

The new signing, who moved to Emirates Stadium from Werder Bremen on transfer deadline day, has been a Gooner since buying a shirt at the age of ten and says the former captain is “a special one”. 

Per Mertesacker

Mertesacker is in line to don the Arsenal red and white for the first time on Saturday and admits he always looked up to Adams when growing up in Germany. 

“We didn’t get many pictures of him on the television but Adams was a legend here,” he told Arsenal.com. “He is a special one for me.  

“When I was looking at English football I always looked to Arsenal and he was one of the great defenders when I was ten or 12 years old. I knew he was the centre-half for Arsenal. 

“I like the players [like Adams] very much - I have enjoyed seeing them over the years. I hope I can improve my performances here and get better and better - I want to be useful for the team." 

Walcott fit for Swansea match after missing England duty

2011-09-08T04:37:00.000-07:00

Theo Walcott will be fit to play on Saturday for Arsenal against Swansea City despite a hamstring problem causing Fabio Capello to rest him for England's 1-0 victory over Wales at Wembley on Tuesday.

Theo Walcott

The 22-year-old winger was taken out of the team for the Euro 2012 qualifier as a precaution after developing the issue following England's win over Bulgaria in Sofia last Friday. The news will come as a welcome boost for Arsène Wenger, whose squad is already missing key players due to injury and suspension, particularly in defence, for the game at the Emirates Stadium.

His side are attempting to recover from a poor start to the Premier League season, which has featured defeats to Liverpool and Manchester United – the latter a humiliating 8-2 reverse at Old Trafford. After three games they have only one point and are fourth bottom.

Arsenal submits its Premier League squad

2011-09-06T23:10:00.000-07:00

Arsenal has submitted a 22-man squad to the Premier League in accordance with new rules which came into force last season.

Robin Van Persie celebrating Hat-trick against Wigan

Top-flight clubs must register a squad of up to 25 players for league games, which must include no more than 17 'non-homegrown' players.

'Homegrown' players are defined as those who, irrespective of nationality or age, have been affiliated to the FA or Welsh FA for a period of three seasons or 36 months prior to their 21st birthday.

All others are registered on the list of players under the age of 21

This is the squad Arsenal have submitted to the Premier League:

Emirates Stadium - A night View

Homegrown players

Johan Djourou

Kieran Gibbs

Vito Mannone

Alex Song

Theo Walcott

Non-homegrown players:

Manuel Almunia

Andrey Arshavin

Mikel Arteta

Yossi Benayoun

Marouane Chamakh

Abou Diaby

Lukasz Fabianski

Gervinho

Laurent Koscielny

Per Mertesacker

Chu Young Park

Tomas Rosicky

Bacary Sagna

Andre Santos

Sebastien Squillaci

Robin van Persie

Thomas Vermaelen

Clubs can supplement their squads with an unlimited number of players under the age of 21.

That means Arsène Wenger can also call upon a long list of established stars and young professionals for Premier League games this season, including:

Benik Afobe

Chuks Aneke 

Martin Angha 

Zak Ansah 

Kyle Bartley 

Daniel Boateng 

George Brislen-Hall 

Joel Campbell 

Francis Coquelin 

Craig Eastmond 

Kyle Ebecilio 

Luke Freeman 

Emmanuel Frimpong 

Samuel Galindo 

Sead Hajrovic 

Conor Henderson 

Gavin Hoyte 

Carl Jenkinson 

Henri Lansbury 

Damian Martinez 

Sean McDermott 

Jernade Meade 

Ignasi Miquel 

Ryo

Elton Monteiro 

Rhys Murphy 

Nigel Neita 

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain 

Oguzhan Ozyakup 

Aaron Ramsey 

James Shea 

Wojciech Szczesny 

Sanchez Watt 

Wellington 

Jack Wilshere 

Nico Yennaris

NB. This squad list applies to Barclays Premier League games only

"I have always been a big admirer of the Arsenal philosophy" - Mikel Arteta

2011-09-06T22:49:00.000-07:00

Arteta in new Colors

New Arsenal signing Mikel Arteta believes he has joined the most entertaining side in the country after moving to the Emirates on transfer deadline day.

The former Everton midfielder was signed for a fee of £10 million and stated that he is looking forward to the beginning of his Gunners career.

"I can't wait to start playing," he told the club's official website. "I can't wait to play at the Emirates, I think it's an unbelievable stadium. I'm so excited.

"I have always been a big admirer of the Arsenal philosophy, the way they play, the way they do the job, and it's always exciting watching Arsenal play. In England there is no better team to watch than Arsenal.

"Hopefully I will not take long to adapt but obviously you need to meet new characters, new personalities and new players with different abilities so you need to pick that up as soon as possible to get an understanding on the pitch.

"But I have been watching a few videos and have got some work done before training and hopefully that will help me."

UEFA reject Arsenal appeal over Wenger ban

2011-09-05T22:47:00.000-07:00

Wenger Disappointed

"The UEFA Appeals Body has rejected the appeal lodged by Arsenal FC and Arsène Wenger against the two-match suspension handed to the manager in the wake of the English club's UEFA Champions League play-off first leg against Udinese Calcio on 16 August.

"Wenger will now be suspended from carrying out his duties at Arsenal's next two UEFA competition matches – the UEFA Champions League group stage games against Borussia Dortmund and Olympiacos FC on 13 and 28 September – in accordance with the decision taken by the UEFA Control and Disciplinary Body on 22 August.

"The manager was awarded this suspension for not abiding by an earlier decision of the Control and Disciplinary Body during the Udinese home game – in which Wenger was serving a one-match ban imposed following Arsenal's final UEFA Champions League game of last season.

"The Control and Disciplinary Body also fined Arsenal €10,000 for improper conduct by their officials during the match against the Italian team in north London."

Arsenal.com

Full Transfer details of Arsenal in this season;

2011-08-31T20:28:00.000-07:00

Arsenal signed Four players including a loan move on deadline day.

Mikel Arteta From Everton; Four-year deal with and undisclosed fee.

Per Mertesacker from Werder bremen for a long term contract.

Andre Santos From Fenerbahce, £6.2m

Yossi Benayoun from chelsea on loan.

Displaying below the Full Transfer details of Arsenal in this season;

In (signed):
Carl Jenkinson (Charlton, undisclosed);
Gervinho (Lille, undisclosed);
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (Southampton, undisclosed);
Joel Campbell (Deportivo Saprissa, undisclosed);
Park Chu-Young (Monaco, undisclosed);
Andre Santos (Fenerbahce, £6.2m);
Per Mertesacker (Werder Bremen, undisclosed);
Yossi Benayoun (Chelsea, loan);
Mikel Arteta (Everton, undisclosed)

Out (signed): Samir Nasri (Manchester City, £24 million);
Cesc Fabregas (Barcelona, £35 million);
Emmanuel Eboue (Galatasaray, £3.1 million);
Carlos Vela (Real Sociedad, loan);
Pedro (Rayo Vallecano, loan);
Mark Randall, Thomas Cruise, Roarie Deacon (all released);
Gael Clichy (Manchester City, £7 million);
Denilson (Sao Paulo, loan);
Jay Emmanuel-Thomas (Ipswich, undisclosed);
James Shea (Dagenham and Redbridge, loan);
Armand Traore (QPR, undisclosed);
Gilles Sunu (Lorient, undisclosed);
Joel Campbell (Lorient, loan);
Nicklas Bendtner (Sunderland, loan)

Per Mertesacker : Arsenal's new no:4

2011-08-31T19:46:00.000-07:00

Per Mertesacker

Arsenal Football Club has completed the signing of Germany defender Per Mertesacker on a long-term contract for an undisclosed fee(reportedly 8 million pounds)

At 26, the 6ft 6in centre-back has significant experience at both club and international level.

Mertesacker has enjoyed eight seasons in the Bundesliga - five with Werder Bremen and three with Hannover 96 - making 221 league appearances in total and finding the net on 19 occasions.

The former Werder Bremen captain also played 53 times in Europe for the Green-Whites, including the 2009 Europa League Final. In 75 games for Germany, Mertesacker has helped his country to the Semi-Finals of the 2006 and 2010 World Cups and to the Final of the 2008 European Championship.

“We are delighted to welcome Per Mertesacker to the Club," said Arsène Wenger. "He is a German international with vast experience and strength and is good on the floor and in the air. I believe he will be well-suited to the Premier League and a tremendous asset to the team.”

Mertesacker said: “I had a great time at SV Werder Bremen and I’m grateful to the club. Moving to London enables me to fulfil a dream and a further step in my career. The Premier League has always represented a great challenge for me.”

Mertesacker will wear the No 4 shirt for Arsenal.

Mikel Arteta joins Arsenal

2011-08-31T19:37:00.000-07:00

Mikel Arteta

Arsenal has confirmed that they have agreed to sign Spanish midfielder Mikel Arteta from Everton for an undisclosed fee.(reportedly 10 million pounds)

The 29-year-old arrives at Emirates Stadium on a four-year deal with a wealth of Barclays Premier League experience, having been with the Merseyside outfit since 2005. After starting his career as a trainee with FC Barcelona, Arteta was loaned to Paris Saint-Germain before making his name in the Scottish Premier League with Rangers, where he was a member of the domestic treble winning side of 2002-3.

A year long spell in Spain with Real Sociedad followed before he teamed up with David Moyes’ side, initially on loan, in 2004-5. The Spaniard went on to score 28 goals in 174 Premier League appearances for the Toffees.

Meanwhile, Arsenal new boy Joel Campbell has been sent out on a season-long loan to FC Lorient

Arsenal agree loan move for Yossi Benayoun

2011-08-31T19:22:00.000-07:00

yossi benayoun

Arsenal has confirmed that they have agreed to sign Chelsea midfielder Yossi Benayoun on a season-long loan deal.

The Israeli captain arrives at Emirates Stadium with a wealth of Premier League experience, having spent successful spells at West Ham United and Liverpool before his move to Stamford Bridge.
The 31-year old started his career in Israel with Hapoel Be’er Sheva, before sealing a move to Maccabi Haifa.

Benayoun moved to Liverpool in 2007, scoring 18 goals in 92 appearances for the Reds, before his switch to Premier League rivals Chelsea in July 2010.

All the Best. Good Season ahead.

Arsenal close in on defensive double swoop: Mertesacker and Santos undergoes medical

2011-08-30T10:03:00.000-07:00

Arsenal are closing in on the signings of £14.1 million defensive duo Andre Santos and Per Mertesacker,

Per Mertesacker

Arsenal have agreed a £7.9m fee with Werder Bremen for Mertesacker, 26, and will pay Fenerbahce £6.2m for Santos, who is 28.Werder general manager Klaus Allofs has confirmed that Mertesacker has long wanted to move to the Emirates.He told Sportinformationsdienst: "Per has had the wish to force his career [for] some time. He wanted to play for a big European club. Arsenal was always his favorite club."

Andre santos(yellow)

Reports in Germany say that 6ft 6in Mertesacker has agreed an £80,000-a-week deal while Santos is said to have negotiated an Arsenal contract worth £40,000 a week after they had met Fenerbahce's asking price for the attacking full-back.

South Korea captain Park Chu-Young, 26, has completed a move for an initial £3m - although this has yet to be announced by the club - and will beef up Wenger's striker options.

Arsenal Preparing Bid for Totenham Defender

2011-01-22T05:11:00.000-08:00

Jonathan Woodgate

Arsenal are reportedly preparing a bid to sign Tottenham centre back Jonathan Woodgate as Emirates boss Arsene Wenger frantically searches for a suitable defender to help ease his problems at the back. The one time England international has had horrendous problems with injuries his three years at White Hart Lane but is now fully fit and apparently on the Gunners radar.

Wenger is searching for a centre back signing this month as he looks to strengthen his squad to cope with injury concerns over Thomas Vermaelen and Sebastien Squllaci. The French boss has been linked with a number of potential signings but is yet to secure what he considers a crucial addition as the North London club continues to fight on four fronts this season.

Moves for the likes of Bolton’s Gary Cahill and Werder Bremen defender Per Mertesacker have been unsuccessful and time is running out as Arsenal look to shore up a back line that now has very few options. The current central defensive pairing of Johann Djourou and Laurent Koscielny has been fairly solid of late but Wenger knows that he must strike soon to avoid being left dangerously threadbare at the back.

We believe that Wenger is will offer around 4 million pounds for the Defender.

Arsenal have signed Japanese Striker Ryo Miyaichi

2010-12-20T01:31:00.000-08:00

Arsenal have announced that Japanese forward Ryo Miyaichi will be joining the club in January 2011.

The 18-year-old will be playing in the All Japan High School Soccer Tournament, representing Chukuodai Chuyko High School, and will join when the championships have concluded.

"I am delighted Ryo will be joining us in the New Year," Arsene Wenger told the club's website.

"He trialled with us in the summer and has raw ability which has attracted many clubs around the world.

"I look forward to helping him fulfill his potential here at Arsenal."

Flash News - Arsenal Draw Barcelona While It's Tottenham - AC Milan, Manchester United - Marseille & Chelsea - Copenhagen In Champions League Knockout round

2010-12-17T03:47:00.000-08:00

Arsenal have drawn Barcelona in the round of 16 in the Champions League while Tottenham will take on Serie A giants AC Milan. Manchester United have been drawn against French side Marseille and Chelsea will meet Copenhagen following the draw in Nyon on Friday.

We have to do the dirty work when necessary - Samir Nasri

2010-12-15T02:19:00.000-08:00

Samir Nasri believes that Arsenal have to sometimes sacrifice their flamboyant style of football and do the dirty work necessary to win a game, metaphorically saying that his team-mates "sometimes have to put the bullfighter's outfit in the cupboard".

The Gunners were only recently subject to a 1-0 defeat to Manchester United that saw them lose top spot in the Premier League to their opponents, who now have a two-point lead with a game in hand.

However, the Frenchman has thrown down the gauntlet in the race to the finish line, as he believes that the north London club can win the title despite losing at Old Trafford.

"It was a tactical battle against United, and we needed to do plenty of defending especially with Park and Rooney down the flanks," Nasri told reporters.

"We stood up to them well, but lost the game because of little details. In the first half we were unwilling to commit ourselves too much, but in the second half we were a lot more effective.

"We sometimes have to put the bullfighter's outfit in the cupboard. We have to get down to working hard for the good of the team.

"I do not see any problems with us not playing in flamboyant style, as long at the team wins.

"We proved that we are a good team, but it is futile to talk about it now.

"Let's discuss it again in May - and see who are the champions then."

We can show the world how powerful we are: Says Arsene Wenger

2010-12-13T03:36:00.000-08:00

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has called on his charges to show their might by beating Manchester United to stay at the top of the Premier League.

The two sides meet on Monday with the Gunners in pole position, ahead of their opponents by a single point - though United still have a game in hand.
The Frenchman has been discussing the maturity of his young side for a few years, and now believes that the time is ripe to showcase the strength they possess as a team.

"We have an opportunity to show how good we are - that is what you want in life," said Wenger to reporters.
"Let's go without any preconceived ideas, not [thinking] about any weakness of Manchester United, nor about any weakness from us, just let's focus on the day, to give your best, play with belief, play for each other and we have a good chance to beat anybody."
Wenger maintained: "I know that my team will be really up for it, and I always have great belief in my players - I know how hungry they are for success and am sure that will come out in the game."

Wenger and his Old Trafford counterpart Sir Alex Ferguson shared a frosty relationship in the past, but in recent years the pair have expressed a mutual admiration for each other.

"It's always for me in the heat of the moment," added Wenger, on the club's official website.
"I'm not somebody who bears grudges for years. I can forgive - indeed, sometimes I need to be the person to be forgiven - but I'm not somebody who thinks for 10 years, forever, 'I will hate you'.
"Relations with people go up and down a little bit. Why? Because many things happen in the heat of the moment and you know it's not for definite.

"I had [arguments] not only with him but with other managers."

Young star Theo Walcott has started only three games in the league this season, while making five substitute appearances in the process. But the former Monaco boss insists that his four goals so far do not make him an "impact substitute".

"Frankly I can understand that because for me Theo Walcott is doing well," Wenger said.

"For me he is not an impact player, he is a regular player.

"At the moment he does not play as often as he should but he will play soon.

"In fairness, Theo is fantastic. His attitude and behaviour has been absolutely great."

Arsene Wenger Unhappy about the lack of respect shown by Patrice Evra

2010-12-12T04:04:00.000-08:00

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is unhappy with comments expressed by Manchester United defenderPatrice Evra.

Ahead of the Premier League clash between the two clubs on Monday night, Evra used an interview with French TV channel Canal+ to label Arsenal as a "training centre" and say that the Gunners' lack of silverware in recent years is "ridiculous".

Speaking to reporters on Friday, Arsene Wenger was keen to avoid a war of words with fellow Frenchman Evra. Instead, he stated that his team will not be intimidated by insults designed to pile the pressure on his side.

"He gave you some good stuff to make it all hot before the game," Wenger said.
"We are guided by the way we want to play football and not by the statements of anybody who plays against us.
"Personally, I believe if you are a big player you always respect your opponent and that is what we try to do."

Arsenal have the best away record in the Premier League this season and travel to Old Trafford to face a Manchester United side boasting the best home record.

Due to the fact that Manchester United's game at Blackpool was called off last week, Arsenal's 2-1 win over Fulham took the Gunners above United to the top of the Premier league.

And Wenger is adamant that his side have the maturity to ignore Evra's comments and to approach the game with belief in the way they play their football.

"We want to focus on the way we want to play and ignore any provocation before a game," he said.
"We are motivated by the desire to win the game and by the quality of the football we want to play."

Nasri on Top form : Watch the double goals scored by Samir Nasri against Fulham

2010-12-07T02:53:00.000-08:00

Double Goals scored by Nasri helped the Gunners to reach the top spot of the Premier League for the first time this season.

Aaron Ramsey hopes to regain full fitness at Nottingham Forest

2010-12-02T20:44:00.000-08:00

Aaron Ramsey is looking return to full fitness playing forNottingham Forest, before returning to Arsenal early next year.

The young Gunner had been at the receiving end of a strong challenge from Stoke City defender Ryan Shawcross last season, which saw the 19-year-old spend nine months on the sidelines with a broken leg.

But having returned to some semblance of fitness, the Welshman has gone out on loan to build his fitness. And only recently he made a debut for Forest by making a substitute appearance against Leicester City.

"I’ve been out for a long time and just to be out there and playing again made me realise how much football means to me.," Ramsey said, according to The Mirror.

"I’ve missed a lot of the year, but it was so good to be back in the swing of things.

"Obviously the first two months after the injury were the hardest, I couldn’t really move much, although I was encouraged to try to get on my feet. My friends and family helped me get through it.

"I’m here to get back to 100 per cent and hopefully win as many games for Forest as possible. I want to try and get them going in the right direction.

"I felt alright and I’m still a way off playing 90 minutes, but my fitness is coming along nicely. I’ve been out for nine months and these are what these games are for."

Former Arsenal Star Robert Pires joins Aston Villa

2010-11-19T03:03:00.000-08:00

Former Arsenal midfielder Robert Pires has signed a six month contract to join Aston Villa until the end of the season.

The former French international becomes Gerard Houllier’s first signing since arriving at Villa Park.

The 37-year-old, who has been training with Arsene Wenger at Arsenal for the past two months, will add valuable experience to a young squad.

The one-time left-wing star, now moved to the central ground, signed for Villa as a free agent after being released by Villarreal in the summer.

The world cup winner, who will wear the number eight shirt, will meet his new teammates tomorrow and hopes to make his debut for the club against Blackburn on Sunday.

Pires told AVTV: "I can't wait to play and put on that new shirt. It is very exciting.

"I am very happy to join Aston Villa because it's a big club in England.

"I am also thrilled to have the chance of working with Gerard Houllier. I know him.

“I spoke with Gerard Houllier and like me he is very happy because I need him and he needs me to play with experience because the team is young. We need a good mix.

"Now this move represents a new opportunity and a new challenge for me. I am very happy to start.

"I can't wait to put that

shirt on and play for Aston Villa. I am proud to play for Villa and to the fans, I'd like to say 'see you soon at Villa Park.”

Pires who spent six years with the Gunners and played 236 times for the North London club insisted playing in England was a big factor in signing for Houllier’s men.

He said: “For me it’s a good surprise but I’m very happy here because I like English football and it was important for me to work here again.”

Assistant manager Gary McAllister is delighted the club have captured such a decorated player and believes believes the new recruit can have positive influence on the whole squad.

He said: "He is a proven winner. It gets thrown around a lot these days when people say they are a winner but he is a genuine article.

"He's a European champion and he has won the World Cup as well. He has vast experience and was a fantastic player in the Premier League for Arsenal.

"People thought he was coming to the end of his career but he went to Villareal and done well there for several seasons.

"For all the younger players - what a tremendous addition. The younger players can only learn from watching a guy like Robert on the training field.

"He will gain respect. But I am sure Robert Pires isn't coming here just to be a player that everyone is going to stand back and admire. He will want to gain the respect of the fact that he is still competitive and still able to do a job at this level."

Ashley Young to join Arsenal in january?

2010-11-17T01:21:00.000-08:00

Ashley Young

Aston Villa winger Ashley Young is set to sign for Premier League title contenders Arsenal after refusing to sign a new contract at Villa Park, according to reports.

The England international is reportedly looking to make the switch to the Emirates in the January transfer window, as reported by talkSPORT.

The 25-year-old insisted he would confer with the Midlands club regarding a new deal at the end of the season as he currently has one year left on his current contract.

However, reports suggest Arsene Wenger will snap up Young despite Villa manager Gerard Houllier’s desire to keep him.

Cesc Fabregas Praises Defensive Performance In Arsenal’s 2-1 Win Over Everton

2010-11-14T23:30:00.000-08:00

Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas has hailed his side's defensive display in the 2-1 win over Everton at Goodison Park.

The skipper doubled the Gunners' lead after Bacary Sagna had opened the scoring. Tim Cahill sparked a late fightback with his goal one minute from time, but Arsene Wenger’s men held on to secure the victory.

Fabregas is pleased to have picked up the three points after the late scare from Everton and believes his side were solid defensively.

"It was a good performance," he told Sky Sports."Defensively we looked solid, our only regret is that last minute goal. We played very well, we were in control. We knew their game was long ball but we did well against it."

Fabregas was lucky to escape a red card after a tackle on Wolves' Stephen Ward in midweek, and there were calls for the skipper to be dismissed after a challenge with Sylvain Distin against Everton.

"Look at the replay. He kicks my ankle, he kicks me. Of course, last week I make a tackle and now everyone wants Cesc Fabregas sent off, I just play football and that’s it," the World Cup winner said.

The Arsenal captain also expressed his surprise at Sagna scoring just his second Arsenal goal, before admitting his side became nervous after Cahill’s late goal.

He said: "[It was a] great goal! I was asking for the ball but I was not too confident in him! He did very well and I think defensively we were superb.

"The second goal was an important goal early in the second half. We knew they would push hard at us and at the end they scored and we were a bit nervous."

Fabregas also added that the spirit inside the Arsenal camp is key to the club's success this season, which has seen them move up to second in the Premier League table after their win over Everton.

"We want to do well until the end, this is just one more step until the end," he said.

"It's good we're in second position, we're improving, We just need Chelsea to drop some points now."

It’s Common Sense For Robin Van Persie To Stay Away From International Duty : Wenger

2010-11-06T02:12:00.000-07:00

Arsene Wenger's concern at Dutch striker Robin van Persie’s call up to the Holland squad has led him to insist that the focus should be on getting the front-man back to action at Arsenal.

Gunners boss Wenger revealed on Thursday his surprise at Dutch boss Bert van Marwijk’s decision to request the services of the Arsenal striker.

The 27-year-old is only just returning to training after being sidelined since the end of August due to an ankle injury, and Wenger thinks a common sense approach would dictate the Dutchman staying in London

"At the moment, Robin van Persie is coming back from injury, we are concerned to use him at our club and you can understand we are bit less concerned that he automatically plays in a friendly,” Wenger said according to The Sun.

The Frenchman also had to endure a large part of last season without the Dutch striker after he damaged an ankle ligament during international duty, and the Arsenal boss believes the best option would be for Van Persie to refrain from jumping head first into action.

"Every one of you has common sense and can completely agree with that. It does not look to me surreal that we wish him to play for us,” he added.

The 61-year-old also conceded that he had no choice in the matter and the subject of international commitments was out of his control.

"Holland is not my problem at the moment, my problem is to play the game against Newcastle on Sunday. All the rest is down to the rules that are in place in the international game.

"What can I do about that? Not a lot.

"I am not a big influence on that and I believe the most important thing is that we prepare well for our game on Sunday, try to win the game and let everybody else talk."