"I would like to take this opportunity to explain my current situation with regards to Arsenal Football Club and my future as a player.

"As you may know, my contract at Highbury expired at the end of June and, although I have made it clear at all times that I would like to extend my contract for one more year at Arsenal, an agreement of this kind has so far not been reached between myself and the club.

"Since the end of the season there have been ongoing negotiations over the telephone between the club and my representatives and I would like to make it clear that at all times during these talks I have done everything that I possibly can in order to stay at the club.

"I have declared that I would be willing to accept a lower salary, such is my desire to stay at Arsenal. However, the offers that I have received from the Board of Directors have been constantly changing and I have found this situation very frustrating. It is very important to me that my future is decided quickly because of course I have not just myself but my family to consider.

"I made the decision that I wanted to stay at Arsenal some months back when it was made clear to me by my manager, Arsene Wenger, that he also wanted me to stay on at the club for another year.

"I have enjoyed eight very happy years at Highbury and it is now my wish to finish my career at the place which is so special to me. I feel I have shown loyalty to the club over the years and I would like to think that the club would be loyal to me also.

"I still believe that I can make a big contribution to the Arsenal team and I feel as fit and and sharp as I have always done. I think I have shown this with my performances over the last 18 months and the fact that I have remained a first-choice player for most of this time must mean the manager believes I can do the job also.

"I know that at 34 years of age a footballer is often considered to be 'too old' but I do not agree that this is the case with myself. I have been disciplined throughout my career and because of this I know that I have the ability to play at the very highest level for at least one more year if not more.

"But at this present time I have just one goal and that is to play for one more year at Arsenal. To do this I am willing to make sacrifices and I hope that the club respects that and that we can resolve this situation as quickly as possible.

"I would also like to take this opportunity to thank all the Arsenal fans for their messages of support over the last few weeks as it means a great deal to me."