Arsenal full-back Stephan Lichtsteiner has dismissed suggestions that he is considering retirement, despite struggling for first-team football so far at the Emirates Stadium.
The 34-year-old joined the Gunners from Juventus on a one-year contract during the summer but has so far found himself behind Hector Bellerin in the pecking order and has made just one substitute appearance.
However, Lichtsteiner insisted that he knew from the start that he would face a fight for first-team football and revealed that he will only contemplate retirement when he no longer believes that he can compete at the highest level.
"I could have changed to five other clubs in the summer, knowing that I would certainly play 47 out of 50 serious matches. I wanted to join a big club, I was looking for a demanding challenge in a new league," the Switzerland international told Sportal.
"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 cannot keep the level of the last few years, then it is time.
"But then I will not only resign from the Swiss national team, but finish my career. Based purely on performance data I have the physicality of a 28-year-old.
"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. It is quite unusual for me to be a substitute. Three games in a row, that's never happened to me."
Arsenal are back in Premier League action on Saturday when they take on Newcastle United at St James' Park.
Barney Corkhill
