The England number one admitted he had considered quitting after England's exit from the World Cup.

Seaman broke down in tears after being left floundering by Ronaldhinho's freak free-kick that handed Brazil a 2-1 quarter-final victory.

But support from football fans up and down the country prompted a change of heart.

Seaman started talks with Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger early in July and signed his new deal on Tuesday night.

Wenger, speaking after Wednesday night's 6-1 friendly thrashing of Stevenage, has urged Seaman - who will be 39 in September - to continue his England career.

England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson has already confirmed that as long as Seaman is Arsenal's first-choice goalkeeper, he will remain his number one.

Wenger admitted that he always thought Seaman would sign a new deal and continue his career with the Gunners.

Determined

"If it hadn't been signed, you never know, but I never really imagined David Seaman leaving Arsenal now, at this stage of his career," said the Frenchman.

"He will come back strong and determined, like he always has been when he's had a blow.

"It was a big disappointment for him at the World Cup, but he's really determined to come back and keep going.

"I personally hope he will not give up his international career, and that he will keep fighting for his place in the England team."

Heavy hint

Earlier this month Seaman had hinted that he would carry on playing.

"I definitely want to carry on. I'm leaving my options open and I will just play and see what happens," he said.

"I'm enjoying my football still. What happened at the World Cup was a big setback but you've got to keep with it as a goalkeeper.

"It's hard when your team-mates retire and my time will come, but not just yet."

Arsenal have been linked with Turkish international goalkeeper Rustu Recber.

And Seaman's new deal with the Gunners will raise further questions over the future of young English understudies Richard Wright and Stuart Taylor.