Arsenal defender Laurent Koscielny says he turned down a move to Barcelona to sign a five-year contract at the Emirates Stadium.

The French centre back penned a five-year deal with the club earlier this week following an impressive first two seasons.

And Koscielny says he turned down Barcelona in favour of committing his long-term future to The Gunners.

Laurent Koscielny
Koscielny says he rejected Barcelona's advances.

"I am so happy to have signed a new contract until 2017, it means a lot, notably that the club has a lot of trust in me," he told L'Equipe. "In 2017, I will be almost old.

"Yes of course and frankly it is flattering," he added on Barcelona's interest. "But at Arsenal I have everything; I have a great training centre, a wonderful stadium and an amazing group.

"I really want to grow here as Thierry Henry, Patrick Vieira and some others did."

Koscielny has made 76 Arsenal appearances in two seasons at the club, and while he hasn't helped the club end their trophy drought, he has assisted in firming up and adding continuity to their defence amid a host of injuries.

He missed just five league games last season and was forced to play alongside a host of partners at the back including Per Mertesacker, Yohan Djourou and Thomas Vermalen last season, and the Belgian centre back is delighted the France international has signed a new deal.

"I heard the news that Laurent extended his contract and I'm really happy," Vermaelen said.

"From the start when he came to Arsenal he has shown he is a great player and he is developing really well. I think he has done everything for the Club already and I hope he will stay a few more years.

"Of course he is not here at the moment because he is not fit - he had a holiday because he played in the Euros. But he is a great player and I'm happy that he signed for the Club."