Eduardo commits future to Gunners

ARSENAL striker Eduardo has signed a new “long-term” contract at the Emirates Stadium.

The 26-year-old, who joined the Gunners from Dinamo Zagreb in 2007, has been rewarded for his form since recovering from a badly broken leg against Birmingham in February 2008 which resulted in him being sidelined for almost a year.

He has now scored 18 goals in 48 first-team appearances for Arsene Wenger’s team.

Arsenal have not confirmed the length of the deal but are pleased to have further secured the player’s services.

Wenger said: “We’re delighted that Eduardo has signed a new long-term contract with us.

“Eduardo is a special player with huge talent and natural goalscoring ability, and we’re all so happy that he has committed his future to Arsenal Football Club.

“We have also seen in his comeback from injury, Eduardo is a human being full of courage, bravery and commitment. His full recovery from this injury is a testament to Eduardo’s character. We all look forward to enjoying Eduardo’s performances in an Arsenal shirt for a long time to come.”

Eduardo said: “I am very pleased to have signed a new long contract with the club.

“I’m very happy and I hope to stay at Arsenal for as long as I can. This period is good for me now. I feel strong in my body and I feel ready to play 90 minutes every three days if it’s needed.

Meanwhile the Gunners received further good news after it emerged defender Kieran Gibbs has only bruised his foot and ankle and not suffered a fracture.

Gibbs, 20, who has been playing for the Arsenal first team while Gael Clichy is out with a back injury, injured his right ankle playing for England U21s.

“We can confirm he has sustained severe bruising to the bones and soft tissue of his foot,’’ said a club statement.

“Thankfully it is not fractured and his enforced absence will be short-term.’’