Frenchman Mathieu Flamini who rejoined Arsenal from AC Milan after his departure back in 2008 has claimed he is better than ever as he looks to work his way back into the Gunner' set up.

Flamini played 153 times in all competitions with the North London side during his 4 seasons in England after Arsene Wenger took him from Ligue 1 side Marseille. He even managed 8 goals during his time in the Gunners’ red, the same amount he scored while with Milan.

Making 122 appearances with the Serie A giants, Flamini has also spoken of how Arsene Wenger himself was the man to entice him back to the Emirates:

“He introduced me to the best league, the Premier League, and has taught me on many levels, tactical, technical and mental.”

The Italian Job

The 29-year-old replaced Jack Wilshire in the first half of the 1-0 win over Spurs in the North London Derby before this week’s international break, and will provide great cover in defensive midfield as well as at either full-back, a valuable utility man for Wenger to use.

He went on to describe how his experiences in Italy have made him a better player, using an interesting analogy along the way:

"My fitness levels are still very good," Flamini told Arsenal Player. "After what [fitness coach] Tony Colbert told me after some speed tests, I am quicker than I was five years ago.

"It was funny because we made a joke that it was like wine, getting better with age. I still feel very fresh.

Chasing his first start since his return to England, Flamini continued to entail how he believed the tactical aspect of the Italian game had made him an all-round stronger player, too:

"Serie A is much more tactical than the English league. The English league is much quicker and physical and the intensity is very high from the beginning to the end.”

Szczesny looking over his shoulder

In news between the sticks, Polish goalkeeper Wojciech  Szczesny has revealed that losing his place to Lukasz Fabianski during last season game him a well needed wake-up call to up his game as the team’s number 1.

Fabianski was introduced after defeats against Bayern Munich and Tottenham, but his reign in goal only lasted from February until April when injury allowed Szczesny back in.

“He had some bad luck with injuries and I knew every single day that I was going to be playing on Saturday,” Szczesny said.

“Subconsciously you maybe take it easier in your head and only give 98 per cent in training and not 110 per cent. It’s very important to have the competition.”

This season’s competition has come in the form of Italian ‘keeper Emiliano Viviano, who joined the club on a season long loan from Fiorentina. Yet the Poland man has confirmed that he intends to keep the number 1 spot, finishing, “It’s a big season”.

Although Szczesny has started the season well, Viviano will no doubt be breathing down the back of his neck in the race for the starting spot.

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