The Gunners midfielder continues to be an instrumental member of Arsene Wenger’s Arsenal side.
Manchester United’s Paul Pogba in action with Arsenal’s Francis Coquelin
Arsenal midfielder Francis Coquelin has re-affirmed his wish to remain at the club for the rest of his career.
Speaking to L’Equipe, referenced via The Mirror in a rare interview, the Frenchman described The Gunners as a ‘very good team’ and stated his loyalty to the club.
Coquelin has become an integral part of Arsene Wenger’s side in recent years. Despite the arrival of Granit Xhaka from Borussia Mönchengladbach in May, the 25 year-old remains a regular starter for the North Londoners.
The midfielder told the French publication, who asked if he wanted to look to a higher level in the game, that there are few options left to him if he was to ever leave Arsenal.
Coquelin told L’Equipe: “Even higher, even bigger? That doesn’t leave me with very many clubs.”
Coming thorugh the French youth system between 2000 and 2008, Coquelin made the switch to England in July 2008, initially joining the youth team.
Spending loan spells at with both Lorient and SC Freiburg and with fears over his future at the club, the Frenchman was then sent to Charlton Athletic on a month-long loan, having played no Premier League game time that term.
Following mounting injuries for Wenger’s side during the early stages of the 2014/15 campaign, Coquelin was recalled back to North London.
Arsenal’s Francis Coquelin in action with Manchester City’s Raheem Sterling and Fabian Delph
After a handful of substitute appearances, he was named in the starting XI at West Ham United as Arsenal defeated the Irons at The Boleyn Ground.
It was his performance away to Manchester City a few weeks later however, that Francis Coquelin announced his arrival at the top level.
The Arsenal formed a midfield partnership with Santi Cazorla and the duo marshaled The Citizens, putting in a almost perfect showing against the Champions-elect, winning 2-0. The rest is history in North London.
Picture Supplied by Action Images
Coquelin has now spent eight years with Arsenal and the Frenchman realises the debt of gratitude he owes the club, adding his want to spend the rest of his career in North London.
“I think I’m already at a very, very big club”, says Coquelin. “And I’m a person who is loyal to my club, I came here very young, I owe them a lot. So from the moment things are done well, my inclination is to stay at Arsenal for as long as possible.”
He adds, “But then there has to be that desire on both sides. But spending the rest of my career at Arsenal would make me very proud.”
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