Mannone signs new deal at Arsenal
Mannone is now bidding to replace Alumunia as Arsenal's number one
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By Darren Estwick. |  |
Monday, 25, Jan 2010 02:14
By Sam Ross.
Arsenal's young Italian goalkeeper Vito Mannone has signed a new long-term deal at the Emirates Stadium.
The 21-year-old is delighted to have extended his deal at Arsenal and is gunning to become their first-choice goalkeeper.
He said: "It's a great day for me, a great moment. I'm really happy to be staying at Arsenal Football Club and will give everything to repay the club for the faith they have shown in me.
"Now I want to try and become the number one goalkeeper here, and help the team win trophies."
Mannone made his first-team debut at the end of last season when he played the full 90 minutes in Arsenal's 4-1 home win against Stoke City in the final game of the season.
But he has made a real breakthrough this season, making eight first-team appearances - most notably in his fine performance when the Gunners beat Fulham 1-0 at Craven Cottage in September.
The Italian believes he has grown as a player during his four-year career at the club, but feels he can progress even further at 'one of the biggest clubs in the world'.
He said: "I've learned a lot from my experiences at Arsenal and am happy to have the chance to grow more and more."
Shortly before agreeing his extended deal Mannone was linked with a number of Italian clubs but has confirmed that Arsenal was always his first choice.
"It was always Arsenal," he concluded.
"I'm delighted to be staying here because it was always my plan when I was really young to come to England and make it here at Arsenal."