Arsenal midfielder Francis Coquelin has revealed that he has agreed a new long-term deal with the club until 2019.
The 23-year-old, whose current contract was set to expire in the summer, has established himself as a first-team regular in recent months since being recalled from a loan spell with Championship side Charlton Athletic.
Coquelin has admitted that he was apprehensive of leaving Stade Lavallois in his native France seven years ago to link up with the Gunners.
When asked if he had extended his contract at Arsenal, he told Ouest France: "Yes, until 2019.
"When you're young and you go abroad, you take a risk. Especially when you come to Arsenal. At first I did not want to go. I came for a week in training, coaching I saw guys ready to slug it out.
"But in life you have to take risks. I've always had confidence in me. My only regret was not being able to show what I could do. This nearly happened. Then I get the chance. If tomorrow I have to go, I would not regret anything."
Coquelin has made 19 appearances for the Gunners this season.
Steven Toplis
