Arsenal midfielder Mohamed Elneny rules out playing for another team

Mohamed Elneny in action for Arsenal

Arsenal midfielder Mohamed Elneny rules out playing for another team

Stephen Oladehinde 17:40 - 19.04.2023

Mohamed Elneny has stated his desire to continue playing for Arsenal for as long as possible and that he does not believe he could currently play for another team.

The Egyptian signed a new contract with the Gunners earlier this year, but he is now out with an injury until the end of the current campaign.

Previously, Elneny had a contract that ran through 2023 with a one-year extension option. Instead of using that option, he accepted a brand-new contract with reduced pay.

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Elneny wants to be an Arsenal legend

Elneny has been at Arsenal since January 2016 and he doesn’t think he could play for another team at this stage.

Speaking in an interview, he said “The first ever interview I gave when I signed, they asked me about what I saw in the future – I said I wanted to be an Arsenal legend.

“I still want to be that, I want to stay here as long as I can because of how much I love this club. I don’t think I would be able to go and play for a different team anymore.

“That is why every day I come here to give everything, to make sure I can stay here as long as I can.”

Elneny’s lower wages favour both parties

Despite the lesser pay, Elneny felt that signing the contract extension was in his best interest because it protects his future while he heals from his injury with Arsenal. This summer, he would have been a free agent due to injury if the Gunners had chosen not to activate his contract.

Due to the wage reduction, Arsenal will be saving some money, and they anticipate having the midfielder available and healthy again at a lower salary the following year. Therefore it also benefits them.

The precise date of Elneny’s knee injury is not yet known. There is no specific date for his return as he is set to be out for the rest of the season.