Laurent Koscielny: "I feel like a young man"

Arsenal defender Laurent Koscielny has said that he is feeling in good condition as he approaches his 30th birthday.

The France international has been a key figure in the Gunners backline since arriving at the Emirates Stadium from Lorient in 2010.

However, Koscielny has said that he now must put in more work during training to ensure that he can play at the highest level for as long as possible.

"Footballer or not, after 30 is a big part of your life," he told Arsenal's official website.

"For a footballer it is important as you are closer to the end of your career than you are to the start. But, I feel like a young man.

"I'm nearly 30 but my body is ready to play more games, just the age has changed. I try to work hard and to be ready for training and the games and when you are older you need to work harder in training before the session and after."

Koscielny has made 150 Premier League appearances for Arsenal.