Wenger Pledges Future To Gunners

*French boss cools talk of move to big-spending PSG

Arsene Wenger has committed his future to Arsenal by insisting he intends to see out the remaining three years of his contract in North London.

The manager, who has been at the helm of the Gunners since 1996, has been linked with a return to his native France as sporting director at wealthy Ligue 1 giants Paris Saint-Germain.

Only 12 months ago Wenger refused to rule out joining PSG in the "near future", telling the French media: "It's not impossible, but it wouldn't be in a coaching role".

Speaking in France ahead of Wednesday night's UEFA Champions League clash with Marseille, the Frenchman confirmed he has acted as an adviser to Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani, the Emir of Qatar and owner of PSG.

But questioned whether a lucrative move to the Parc des Princes could be in the offing, Wenger replied: "I have three years to go with Arsenal and I always respect my contract."

The tactician, who has endured a difficult start to the campaign with the Gunners this season, added: "I have known Al Kalifa and Al Jazeera [the TV station] for a long time and I advised them at some stage when they wanted to go into football, buying television rights and things like that."

Allegations
Wednesday night will mark the first time Wenger has faced Marseille since he was manager at French rivals Monaco.

That stint was blemished by allegations of bribery against Marseille, with Wenger having previously stated his belief that his players were bribed during Marseille's title-winning campaigns in 1991 and 1992.

The allegations have never been proven, but Marseille were stripped of one of their titles and banned from defending the European title they won in 1993.

Asked about his history with the club, Wenger replied: "That is over now because the owners are not the same.

"Now it is completely different. Football has changed in France. I don't think there is any need any more to speak about this period because it was not the happiest period of French football.

"A career in management prepares you to fight against adversity, that's for sure. You cannot imagine a career of any manager without disappointment. At the end of the day, it makes you stronger or you get out of the job."

SKY SPORTS