ARSENAL midfielder Abou Diaby admitted he was delighted to sign a new long-term contract with the club.

The Frenchman has enjoyed an extended run in the first team this season after overcoming a difficult injury-plagued period since he arrived from Auxerre in 2006.

Now 23, Diaby is beginning to deliver on his considerable promise, and he is pleased to see the faith that manager Arsene Wenger has in him.

"I'm very happy to sign a new contract with the club," he told Sky Sports. "It shows my long-term commitment to Arsenal.

"I'm very happy here and I love the club, which is why I'm so pleased to extend my contract. It's a good thing and hopefully we're going to have some great years here.

"He (Wenger) decided to extend my contract and that means that he has confidence in me and I'm very happy about that. At the same time I want to be thankful because it gives me a lot of confidence.

"It is a perfect moment and I think we're going to start the New Year with a good base.

"The most important thing for me is to keep going and keep performing to help the team to win.

"I think personally there is a lot more to come but I'm working hard all the time to get to my best."