Eduardo signs new Arsenal contract

Arsenal striker Eduardo has signed a new "long-term" contract at the Emirates Stadium.

The 26-year-old, who joined the Gunners from Dinamo Zagreb in 2007, has been rewarded for his form since recovering from a badly broken leg.

The Croatia international was sidelined for almost a year after suffering in the injury in February 2008.

He has now scored 18 goals in 48 first-team appearances for Arsene Wenger's team.

Arsenal have not confirmed the length of the deal but are pleased to have further secured the player's services.

Wenger told the club's website, www.arsenal.com: "We're delighted that Eduardo has signed a new long-term contract with us.

"Eduardo is a special player with huge talent and natural goalscoring ability, and we're all so happy that he has committed his future to Arsenal Football Club.

"We have also seen in his comeback from injury, Eduardo is a human being full of courage, bravery and commitment.

"His full recovery from this injury is a testament to Eduardo's character. We all look forward to enjoying Eduardo's performances in an Arsenal shirt for a long time to come."

Eduardo suffered his injury in a challenge from Birmingham's Martin Taylor in an infamous game at St Andrews.

He scored twice on his return to action in an FA Cup tie against Cardiff in February this year but did not return to Barclays Premier League action until the current season began.

He was involved in controversy in August when he was banned for two games by UEFA for allegedly diving in a Champions League clash against Celtic, but the suspension was later overturned.

He has been a regular member of Wenger's squads this season and could start at Sunderland on Saturday with Robin van Persie out injured.

Eduardo said: "I am very pleased to have signed a new long contract with the club.

"I'm very happy and I hope to stay at Arsenal for as long as I can. This period is good for me now. I feel strong in my body and I feel ready to play 90 minutes every three days if it's needed.

"I went to Croatia last week and everybody was telling me Arsenal play the best football in Europe at the moment. I agree with that.

"We feel we are strong now this season and we're all going to give everything to win trophies."