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I'm committed to Arsenal: Wenger

First Published: May 30, 2003

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger tried Friday to dampen speculation linking him with a move to Real Madrid by insisting his loyalty still lay with the English giants.

"It is simple. I am committed to Arsenal and will not get involved in any of this speculation," the Frenchman told the Gunners' official website.

Wenger admitted Tuesday he had talks with Madrid officials but said he had two years left on his contract with the English Premiership side and was not going anywhere.

Arsenal said Tuesday they they were "not perturbed" by rumours that Wenger held talks with Real Madrid club president Florentino Perez, director of sport Jorge Valdano in a private room at the Plaza Athenee Hotel in Paris last week.

"Arsene himself has reiterated his commitment to the club on a number of occasions and we see no reason to pass further comment on the subject," the club said.

Current Madrid coach Vicente Del Bosque, yet to be offered a new deal for next season, has admitted he could be sacked if Real, Champions League semi-finalists this season, fail to clinch the Spanish title.

His team are currently one point behind Real Sociedad with three games to go.

Del Bosque has won the Champions League twice and La Liga once since taking over from John Toshack three years ago.