By Mark Finlay
Arsenals Bacary Sagna has said that he does not want to leave the club, and is focused on the upcoming season.
Sagna is in the last year of his contract at the Emirates and has been talked about as a possible target of either Paris Saint-Germain or Ligue 1 newcomers Monaco who are both keen to lure the Frenchman back home.
Despite stalling on a new deal with Arsenal the 30-year-old claims he is happy at the club.
“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.”
The last two seasons have proven to be particularly difficult for Sagna after having suffered two broken legs.
“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.”
Sagna thinks that the Gunners can challenge for the title, but need two add a couple of good signings this summer.
“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.”
