by Nia Griffiths

Mathieu Flamini has admitted that despite being dropped from the first team after he got injured, it’s hard to argue with Arsene Wenger’s decision, considering the success we had last season.

The 31-year-old only featured for us 33 times last season and, after Francis Coquelin took his place in the first team due to an injury to Mikel Areta also, it’s fair to say the defensive midfielder wasn’t exactly missed. H’s now spoken about his drive and how he’s not going to give up fighting for his place in the squad. The Frenchman also spoke about his desire, or lack thereof, to become a manager once he hangs up his boots.

He said, “I don’t like to give up that easily. In football everything can move very easily one way and another. I’m working hard. There’s a lot of competition. It’s a big club. So I’m not giving up that easily.”

“I played a lot in the first part of last season and then I got injured in January and after that the team has been winning nearly every game, so it’s difficult to complain,” he continued. “I’m working hard in pre-season. Everything will be open and I will work hard to get my place back. With a lot of competition you just have to accept it.”

The midfielder, who is known for his (ahem) firm challenges, is out of contract next summer and it’s looking unlikely that we’ll extend this.

On his lack of playing time last season, he said, “I don’t like to look back at the past. We are starting a new season and I’m focused on that one. The last season was a positive one at the end because we won the FA Cup.”

Finally, on the possibilty of becoming a manager one day, he revealed, “It’s not my style. I’ve been playing at the top level now for nearly 13 years, so I don’t see myself as a coach or assistant coach. Who knows? Maybe one day in the management of a club, but not at pitch side.”

Most will know this hasn’t been Flamini’s first stint at Arsenal and he’s now played 218 games for the Gunners. However, it’s difficult to see this increasing hugely next season.