Arteta: I'm not too old for Arsenal

The Spaniard is well aware of the Gunners’ policy of limiting contracts for players over 30 but feels that his veteran status should be no obstacle to his continued success

Arsenal midfielder Mikel Arteta believes that he can still give a lot to the club despite his advancing age.

The 32-year-old has just one year left on his current contract at the Emirates Stadium and is keen to extend his stay but is well aware of the Gunners’ policy of preferring short-term deals for veteran players.

While acknowledging the philosophy, Arteta argues that it might not be the best approach, though says that he would be glad to step aside if he could no longer compete.

“I don’t know what is going to happen,” he told the Daily Mirror of his future.

“With players over 30 they have a policy and I don’t know if they plan to change it or maintain it. Depending on what their mind is, I will give them my opinion and how I see it.

“Yes, [we’ll talk] this summer and see what they want to do. I’m relaxed because I am only going to stay here or wherever if they really want me to stay and I feel productive.

“The day I don’t feel productive, the day I feel like I can’t perform, I will be the first one to say: ‘Listen, you have kids here of 25 much better than me; it’s my time to move on.’ They are not going to have a problem with me.

“I don’t value players by age, whether it is Tomas Rosicky or Jack Wilshere. I analyse many other things before age. For me, a much bigger asset is someone who has played over 125 games in three years compared to someone who has played 25 and is 20.

“I understand the club’s point of view – ‘Mikel is not a £25 million player because he is not 22 any more’ – but I know what I can give so it is to find the right balance. It is something that we need to analyse and talk about.”

Arteta has made 44 appearances for Arsene Wenger’s side in 2013-14, with their season set to conclude with Saturday’s FA Cup final against Hull City.

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