• Premier League

Bendtner 'very disappointed' not to leave Arsenal

ESPN staff
September 3, 2013
Nicklas Bendtner had agreed terms with Crystal Palace © PA Photos
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Nicklas Bendtner has revealed his disappointment of not being able to secure a move away from Arsenal during the summer transfer window, but admits he will give his all for the side.

Bendtner was on the verge of heading through the exit door at The Emirates after terms had been agreed with Crystal Palace on deadline day. The striker has also spent the last two seasons on loan at Sunderland and Juventus.

However, with Arsenal not able to land a striker as a replacement, Bendtner's move to Selhurst Park collapsed, and now he remains at the side he said in September 2011 he "will never go back to" and "never play for again".

On failing to secure a transfer to Palace, Bendtner said: "It's no secret that Arsenal and myself had agreed that I could leave the club during the 2013 summer transfer window subject to an agreement between all parties.

"An agreement had been reached with more than one club this week but as Arsenal were unable to secure the services of another striker, they reserved their right to not sanction any deal to be concluded. Naturally, I was very disappointed as I was looking forward to a new challenge, with a new club and a fresh start in English football."

Bendtner may still depart in the next transfer window in January, but while he remains a player for manager Arsene Wenger he insists he will give 100% to Arsenal.

"Many things have been said about my where my future lies after many years at Arsenal. The truth is I just want to play football which is when I'm happiest and Arsenal is a fantastic environment for any professional to apply their trade," he said.

"I still feel very strongly about Arsenal and following positive talks with the manager, I am looking forward to working hard to regain full fitness and doing my very best to help to the team and the manager fulfil our objectives and ambitions this season.

"I've learnt a lot from my loan experiences at Sunderland and Juventus and I want to assure all Arsenal fans that I will give everything I have to contribute to what I believe will be a successful season for the club."

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