Thomas Vermaelen Says He Has No Intention of Ever Leaving Arsenal

Just a season after losing both Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri, Arsenal fans can be forgiven if they get a little nervous about this time of year.

But Thomas Vermaelen's declaration of club loyalty on Sunday might help steady a nerve or two as the Gunners approach another transfer window.

The Arsenal defender told The Sunday Mirror he has no intention of leaving the club. Telling the newspaper that he feels at home in London, Vermaelen said, "I feel that I have become a real Gunner. Arsenal is my club."

The 26-year-old Belgian sang the praises of Arsene Wenger and pointed to a specific example of the manager's loyalty toward him.

"I was sidelined for a long time with two nasty injuries," Vermaelen said. "But it was under the orders of the manager that the board gave me a new contract until 2015. I can't describe the joy that gave me."

Vermaelen joined Arsenal in June 2009 after spending six years in the Eredivisie with Ajax.

After making a splash during 45 appearances his first year in London, injury forced the defender to miss virtually the entire 2010-11 campaign as well as several weeks at the beginning of this season.

Despite his extended absence, Vermaelen and the club agreed to a four-year contract extension last October.

With all eyes on the as yet unsigned contract extension being offered to Robin van Persie, Arsenal supporters will be glad to know that at least one of their stalwarts is firmly and publicly committed for the long-term.