A new Arsenal contract is a sign of the magic of football, according to midfielder Francis Coquelin.
Francis Coquelin says his new long-term deal at Arsenal demonstrates the magic involved in football.
The 23-year-old put pen to paper on a new contract on Friday, along with striker Chuba Akpom, having regained a starting spot at the Emirates Stadium after returning from a loan spell at Charlton Athletic.
Since returning from The Valley, the former France under-21 international has worked his way back into Arsene Wenger s plans, and is delighted at agreeing fresh terms.
I m really pleased, I ve been here since 2008, so it feels like a second home for me, he told the club s official website.
It wasn t really a tough decision, I have been here long enough and I know everyone here.
Everyone makes me feel good every day and hopefully there will be more good years to come as well.
This is what is magic about football: one day you are unknown and the next day you are a bit bigger. I think the most important thing is to stay the same as I have been doing for the last few years.
Coquelin also backed the club s decision to reward youth players such as himself and Akpom for their efforts in the first team.
It is a good thing to try and keep the players who have been there for a long time, he added.
Everyone s been here for a long time and we all know each other, so we help everyone on the pitch and off the pitch.
It s easier to tell someone off when you ve known him for years than someone who s just got in the team, and I think that s why, at the moment, everything s going well.
