Toon's 'Mr Reliable' Has No Interest In Arsenal
Last updated : 16 July 2007 By Footy Mad - Editor
The Arsenal manager has constantly praised the Irish goalkeeper as "one of the best in Europe", and for four years it has been rumoured he would end up playing for the Gunners. But, to Given's credit, every time the rumour surfaces he insists he is staying at St James' Park.
The 31-year-old Republic of Ireland international last week celebrated a decade since his £1.5million move from Blackburn to Tyneside.
He has four years left on his current contract, but has not ruled out an extended stay at St James' Park.
Given: "I have got four years left on my contract and I will definitely be here for them - and hopefully a few more beyond that.
"But we will have to see how my body holds up before I start thinking about another 10.
"When I signed, I knew I was coming to a huge football club.
"It's a special place to play football, what with the fans and the stadium, and hopefully we will be able to win something while I'm here because you can just imagine what the place would be like."
Given has 413 appearances to his name, just 83 short of fellow keeper Jimmy Lawrence's club record, and seems certain to beat that figure.
Given: "It would be marvellous to pass the appearance record.
"I want to play as many games as possible for my club and country, but you can't look too far ahead - just look at last season with my injuries.
"But I'm feeling good at the moment and we will just have to see how things work out."