Arsenal defender Hector Bellerin has said that Arsene Wenger was the main reason why he decided to sign a long-term deal at the Emirates Stadium.

Last month, Bellerin penned a new contract which is believed to tie him down at the Gunners for the next six-and-a-half years, and the right-back has revealed that he is keen to repay the faith shown in him by Wenger since he was handed his debut in September 2013.

The 21-year-old told The Mirror: "Arsene was really influential for me on the moment when I signed to come over here. He was there talking to me when I first got to the Emirates and he was one of the reasons why I signed with the club.

"Just the confidence he has given me, especially after not the greatest debut at Dortmund . My first games weren't the best!

"From then, I always knew I wanted to pay him off and that's what I'm doing right now and obviously that is why I wanted to stay at the club."

Bellerin is currently out of action through injury but he is expected to return over the next two weeks.