Arsenal Midfielder Reveals Reasons For Turning Down Summer Offers

Mathieu Flamini has revealed how he had the chance to join several other clubs in the summer but is pleased he returned to Arsenal and can now see himself ending his career in north London.

The France international sealed a move back to Arsenal in the summer after his contract with AC Milan came to an end and he has excelled so far this season with some commanding performances.

Flamini has been instrumental in the club's early season success but it seems he was not hugely impressed with Arsenal's performances in previous campaigns.

"Of course I watched Arsenal a lot from Italy, and I was frustrated as well," Flamini told the official Arsenal website. "When you look at the team, you see all that quality, players playing amazing football, and being so close to be successful, yet not winning anything.

"It's not easy to watch that. What's important is to work hard, and to work on the spirit of the team, because I think that makes the difference.

"Of course quality is important, but just as important is the collective of the team - to work together, attack together and defend together. That will make the difference."

The 29-year-old also admitted that he had offers from clubs around Europe but chose to move back to the Gunners because of manager Arsene Wenger.

"I had the possibility of other clubs in Italy, in England, in Germany even. But for me it was the chance to come back to Arsenal, with the team we have right now, to work with Arsène Wenger again," revealed Flamini.

"It was basically him who introduced me to the top level. He brought me into the Premier League and into the Champions League, so I didn't think twice when I had the chance to come back.

"I just said, "Let's do it." Now I'm here and happy, and looking forward to having an amazing season. ��When you joined in 2004, aged 20, Arsenal had just completed an unbeaten season and were on a massive high."

Having helped Arsenal move to the top of the table both domestically and in the Champions League, Flamini is hinted that he could even end his career at the club.

"I'm really happy here, so why not? It's a very important club for me," he added. "I really see myself here for a long time. In football, everything is possible.

"For now, I'm focused on the present and on the short future. With the short future, I'm talking about this season because we have big ambitions and we really want to do very well here."