Wojciech Szczesny has revealed he was set to leave Arsenal back in 2010 as he thought he was ready for first team football.

He was nearing the end of his deal and considered the possibility of moving clubs, but now says he’d stay at Arsenal forever if the club wanted him.

Speaking the Polish paper Przeglad Sportowy, he said, “In 2010, I wanted to leave. I was far from the first team and my contract was expiring. That was the only time I was ready to leave.

“I was ready to play in the first team but I wasn’t even a sub in League Cup.”

Arsene Wenger obviously saw the potential the young man had and began to involve him in first team affairs, but even after establishing himself as number 1 at the club, Szczesny was dropped for the trip to Bayern Munich last season.

However, the next day Arsenal offered him a new contract, a show of faith in his talent above his form, and he made sure he knuckled down to prove his worth to Arsene Wenger.

“The decision was made the day after I was told I wouldn’t play against Bayern,” he said. “The next day I was at the training ground at 7.30, I trained individually and at 10.30 with the team. It was noticed.”

Now, he’s ready to sign on for life, saying, “If they give me a contract to the end of my career, I’d sign it without any hesitation. I feel attached to the club and the coach who has given me a chance. There are not many who would do that but I must’ve been good. I see the future here.

“I’ll play at Arsenal as long as am wanted here. I am not afraid to fight for number one with anyone: Fabianski or Casillas. It’s all in my hands. I am in the best form of my life.”