Edu hungry for success ... and a new deal

Edu today revealed his determination to play a major role with Arsenal for the remainder of the season - even though his future is unresolved.

The Brazil midfielder, who has rejected a new £30,000-a-week contract, was "disappointed" to be left out of Arsene Wenger's plans during the January transfer window when he almost joined Spanish side Valencia.

But he is at Highbury until at least the end of the season after the move fell through and he demonstrated his importance to the Gunners as they returned to winning ways with an emphatic 3-1 win at Aston Villa.

The 26-year-old was recalled alongside Patrick Vieira for his first start since early November when he suffered a broken toe.

His experience helped give Arsenal an early grip which they never relinquished. Freddie Ljungberg, Thierry Henry and Ashley Cole - uneffected by the controversy over the inquiry into allegations he was tapped up by Chelsea - scored the goals and Edu said: "It was nice to be back. I was hungry to play and I am still feeling hungry to keep playing for the team and we will see what happens in the future.

"I think I don't have to prove anything because I've been here for four years. I've been winning titles and been fighting for the club. I've been out for nine or 10 weeks without games of football. Now I've had a conversation with Arsene which was positive and I hope to continue playing.