Stephan Lichtsteiner brilliantly dismisses talk of retirement

Stephan Lichtsteiner has made a slow start to life at the Emirates following his move on a free transfer from Juventus this summer. The Swiss has featured in just one game so far, coming off the bench in the opening day Premier League defeat to Manchester City. Despite being one of the veteran players in Arsenal’s squad, the 34-year-old feels SIX years younger than he is. reports in his homeland have suggested he could be ready to announce his shock retirement. However, Lichtsteiner insists that's not the case and says he's relishing the battle with Hector Bellerin. “I could have changed to five other clubs in the summer, knowing that I would certainly play 47 out of 50 serious matches,” Lichtsteiner told Swiss publication Sportal . “It doesn’t irritate me, as in 2011, when I moved to Juventus, I wanted to join a big club. I was looking for a demanding challenge in a new league. “That’s why I knew from the very beginning at Arsenal that I had to fight for the regular spot against Hector Bellerin. For me, stepping down has never been up for debate. “If I have to admit that I can not keep the level of the last few years, then it is time. “It is quite unusual for me to be a substitute. Three games in a row [on the bench], that’s never happened to me. “If you have achieved a lot in your career, you have high expectations of yourself and want to play. But I also know that I will get the chance to play games.”

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