Arsenal have completed the signing of Ajax defender Thomas Vermaelen for an undisclosed fee.
The Belgium international has penned a long-term contract with the Gunners with the undisclosed fee is reported to have been in the region of £11 million.
Vermaelen, who captained Ajax last season and played against Arsenal in the 2005/2006 Champions League campaign, told the club's official website, www.arsenal.com: "I'm just so happy to be joining Arsenal. This is a great club with a world class manager, high quality players and a fantastic stadium.
"Everything is set up for Arsenal to be very successful for years to come and I joined this club because I know Arsenal will be challenging for trophies.
"I have had a good taste of the Champions League during my time with Ajax and this is something I am looking forward to experiencing again with Arsenal.
"I'm also looking forward to playing in the English Premier League, which for me, is the best league in the world.
"Also, I just want to assure the Arsenal fans that I will give everything for this club and I hope we can enjoy winning some trophies together next season."
Gunners boss Arsène Wenger added: "Thomas is a solid performer with good experience of Champions League and UEFA Cup football and is also a regular with the Belgium national team.
"Thomas is primarily a left-footed centre-back, but he is multi-functional and can also play at left-back.
"He is strong technically with a positive winner's attitude and I have no doubt his arrival will strengthen our team.
"Thomas Vermaelen will be a huge asset to Arsenal."
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The Belgium international has penned a long-term contract with the Gunners with the undisclosed fee is reported to have been in the region of £11 million.
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| Photo: arsenal.com |
Vermaelen, who captained Ajax last season and played against Arsenal in the 2005/2006 Champions League campaign, told the club's official website, www.arsenal.com: "I'm just so happy to be joining Arsenal. This is a great club with a world class manager, high quality players and a fantastic stadium.
"Everything is set up for Arsenal to be very successful for years to come and I joined this club because I know Arsenal will be challenging for trophies.
"I have had a good taste of the Champions League during my time with Ajax and this is something I am looking forward to experiencing again with Arsenal.
"I'm also looking forward to playing in the English Premier League, which for me, is the best league in the world.
"Also, I just want to assure the Arsenal fans that I will give everything for this club and I hope we can enjoy winning some trophies together next season."
Gunners boss Arsène Wenger added: "Thomas is a solid performer with good experience of Champions League and UEFA Cup football and is also a regular with the Belgium national team.
"Thomas is primarily a left-footed centre-back, but he is multi-functional and can also play at left-back.
"He is strong technically with a positive winner's attitude and I have no doubt his arrival will strengthen our team.
"Thomas Vermaelen will be a huge asset to Arsenal."
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