Arsenal forward Theo Walcott has insisted that he always wanted to remain with the North London club.

The 23-year-old England international signed a new long-term deal with the Gunners last week.

"I am very pleased," Walcott told Arsenal's official website. "For the last three games before [the Chelsea match] it was sort of done, but it was on my mind and had been for a long time because it was so close.

"It is difficult to play and block out that side of it, but I tried to do the best I could and hopefully everyone was happy with what I did.

"I always wanted to stay and I am happy that myself and the club have come to an agreement. There has been so much speculation for so long, and I am very pleased my future is sorted. But it is all about the present now."

Walcott has scored nine goals in 18 Premier League appearances for Arsenal this season.