Flamini a happy Gunner
by Laurent Picard, 12 November 2007
Arsenal midfielder Mathieu Flamini has told Setanta Sports he is committed to the North London club, saying he was very happy at Emirates Stadium after having thought about a move in the summer.
Flamini issued a come-and-get-me plea to Serie A clubs in the summer in a bid to try and play more often after having struggled to be part of Arsene Wenger’s starting XI.
The Frenchman spoke about life in Milan with former captain Patrick Vieira, and discussed a move with promoted Birmingham before deciding to remain a Gunner.
The former Marseille youngster has since imposed himself from the start of the season and relegated former vice-captain Gilberto to the bench.
The 23-year-old has committed himself to Arsenal and explained his decision to stay.
“To be honest, I was close to leaving,” Flamini told Setanta Sports.
“But at the end I am here and I am very happy to be here because everything is going well for me and for the rest of the team.
“So I think staying was the good decision.
“There is a great atmosphere despite the fact that everybody is fighting for a place in the team.
“I always try to be concentrated on the things that I have to do. I want to give the maximum to the team and at the moment everything is going well for me but it’s difficult because I know everyone wants to play.
“I wanted to play. It’s true that I’m young and need experience, but I wanted to play. I had a good discussion with my coach and I finally stayed."
Flamini says that he enjoys playing alongside Spain international Cesc Fabregas and believes that the road will be long until the end of the season.
“I always enjoy playing next to him,” he added. “I feel privileged to play in that team because of the great spirit on and off the pitch.
“We have a very confident team but we have to work harder because all the games are very difficult.
“The championship is like a marathon, you have to win every game and you have to be concentrated on every game.”