"It was a great coup for us to sign him on a new four-year contract in May. He is not only a great player - probably the most complete I have seen at Arsenal - but he also has great character and he is a lovely boy.
"Of course, we pay him a hell of a lot of money but he has never come across to me as a greedy person. It was a pleasure dealing with him and we are delighted that he is staying on."
In a further boost for Arsenal Patrick Vieira - out for the last month with a thigh injury - should be back for the match against Lokomotiv.
Vieira completed a double training session on Monday and will spend the next ten days on an intensive training programme to make the next game.
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