After a new contract for Nacho Monreal was announced on Tuesday, the Spaniard spoke to Arsenal.com.

The long-term contract is brilliant news for Arsenal fans, as the defender has been in superb form all season.

A tricky first couple of years saw Monreal battling with Kieran Gibbs for the left-back slot. With an injury crisis occuring at the back, it was actually a spell at centre-half that saw Monreal underline his credentials just over a year ago. Ever since he has been undroppable, playing every Premier League game so far this season.

ST ALBANS, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 03: Nacho Monreal of Arsenal passes the ball during an Arsenal training session on the eve of the UEFA Champions League Group F match against Bayern Munich at London Colney on November 3, 2015 in St Albans, England. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)
Nacho Monreal’s Arsenal career isn’t close to an end. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)

“I’m very happy with my performances this season,” said the Spaniard. “At the beginning it was difficult because I was a new signing and I didn’t speak English.

“But now I feel more comfortable with my team-mates and with everything in general so that has helped me to play better because I have more confidence in myself.”

Thrown into the team in February 2013, Monreal had some questionable performances but he didn’t speak a word of English at the time. Now settled in England, the 29-year-old has arguably matured into the finest left-back in the Premier League.

He puts his contract renewal down to his relationships with the his team-mates, the fans and Arsène Wenger but, in truth, it’s because he’s been fantastic. The news that we’ll be watching him for a few more years yet is very exciting indeed.