Per Mertesacker thrilled by Arsenal stay

Arsenal defender Per Mertesacker has revealed that it was an easy decision for him to sign a new contract with the club.

The German international, 29, extended his stay at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday.

"It was easy for me to commit myself to the club," he told Arsenal's official website. "I have been here for two and a half great years and feel I have great support from everyone at the club and the fans.

"I'm really looking forward to having more years coming up with this fantastic club. We have a great team here and we all want to do our best to win trophies."

Mertesacker, who joined the Gunners from Bundesliga side Werder Bremen in 2011, has scored two goals in 39 appearances for Arsenal this season.