Full back denies quit rumours.
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Arsenal defender Bacary Sagna has denied that he is looking to leave the club this summer amidst heavy speculation linking him elsewhere, Sky Sports reports.
The 30-year-old is entering the final year of his current deal at the Emirates and has been linked with a return to France with Paris Saint Germain and Monaco reportedly interested in taking him off of Arsenal’s hands.
However, the French international has played down the links elsewhere and has stated that he is happy to continue playing for the north London side and is not looking to move on this summer.
I enjoy playing for Arsenal,” Sagna told the Guardian. “I love my team, and I always give my best. I’m still here. Many people were talking about me going back to France but I’m still here and I’m looking forward to a big season with Arsenal.
“Last season was difficult. I only had one year left and people were looking at that and maybe thinking I would leave. But I tried to stay as calm as I could. Now I will work hard in pre-season and have a good season for Arsenal.”
But the full back did admit that the past 18 months have been a test for him following two broken legs and a subsequent dip in form prompted some heavy criticism.
“It’s been very difficult for me physically,” added Sagna. “I was out for four months.
“I went out to Qatar to do my rehab, then I came back and had to start all over again. It was not easy because the injuries take a lot from you.
“But I’m looking forward to coming back, being at my best and helping the team again. I’m looking forward to the new season and a new start.”
However, Sagna also believes that if the club can do the necessary business during the transfer window then they will be in good shape to challenge for the title again after a lack of consistency has hit them hard over the previous years.
“I believe that we can challenge for the title with a couple of good signings,” added Sagna. “We beat great teams last year, we managed to be one of the best teams in the second half of the season and if we can be consistent for the whole season, I believe we can be successful.
“If I had the solution as to what went wrong last season, I would have given it.
“I think it’s a question of desire and, in some games, being over-confident because we know we have the players and the quality.
“We just have to find consistency and the belief to get success. Every team is strengthening and we can strengthen, too, but it’s more about us caring on the pitch and showing the commitment. That will take us a long way.”