Arsenal's Robert Pires has reiterated his desire to stay at the club despite not being guaranteed an extension to his current deal which expires in 2006. Gunners boss Arsene Wenger has said he will continue with his policy of offering only one-year deals to older players and Pires turns 32 in October.
Pires, who has already been given an extra year, said: "I believe it will be decided at the end of this season.
"I hope they want me to stay on. I hope they do because I love Arsenal."
Last week, Wenger suggested more talks would have to take place before any new agreement with Pires could be put in place.
The Arsenal manager had to clarify some media reports that France international Pires' contract expired at the end of next season, with an option of a further season on the same terms.
But Wenger confirmed Pires' deal expires at the end of this season and that the option for next season has already been taken up.
"He has no option any more in his contract. He has the extra year already, which finishes in 2006," said Wenger.
"Then, if he wants to talk about an extension to his contract, it is different. There is no option because I have taken this option.
"He will be 33 next year, and then we will go from year to year."
MMIX
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