How Arsenal stars reacted in training to William Saliba contract announcement | OneFootball

The central defender’s decision to sign a new contract was greeted positively by his team-mates

Your matchday briefing on Arsenal, featuring team news and expert analysis from Simon Collings

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William Saliba took part in an Arsenal training session for the first time after signing a new contract.

Saliba, who had been linked with a move to Real Madrid, has penned a fresh five-year deal with Arsenal, keeping him at the Emirates Stadium until 2030.

The official announcement came on Tuesday morning, a few hours before preparations began for the Gunners’ Champions League showdown with Olympiacos on Wednesday night.

Saliba was part of the training session and seemingly experienced an initiation with regards to his good news.

The Frenchman was made to run through a tunnel of awaiting team-mates as well as the Arsenal coaching staff - and manager Mikel Arteta - and spirits were clearly high in the group as he took in some cheers and a few slaps on the head before the hard work started.

Getty Images

Getty Images

Getty Images

Discussing his decision to sign a new contract at the Emirates, Saliba said: “I feel at home. We have a good team, we have a good squad, we have good staff. The coach is perfect for me, so it’s the best place to be.

“I enjoy every day when I have the chance to wear this shirt. I try to give everything, and now I’ll give even more to this club and to the fans.

“I’m happy now, but not 100 per cent happy because we have to do more. We have to win titles, because it’s what we want, what the club wants.

“I’m 24 now, and I think I haven’t reached my peak. I have a lot of things to improve, a lot of things to give to this team, and I know that the coach and the staff will help me to become the best, or one of the best, defenders in the world and win trophies.”

Saliba will be hopeful of returning to the Arsenal starting XI against Olympiacos after making an appearance off the bench in the comeback win over Newcastle at the weekend.

That said, Arteta did reveal the central defender is still recovering from an ankle injury and therefore summer signing Cristhian Mosquera could deputise once again.