Thomas Vermaelen: ‘I am so happy to be playing again’

Thomas Vermaelen admits it is a major relief to be playing consistently again after missing most of last season through injury. The Belgian centre-back only made five Premier League appearances last term due to a long-term tendon problem. But the 26-year-old has featured 37 times in all competitions for Arsenal this campaign and he has savoured every minute of it. “I’m really happy to be playing again because last season was really frustrating because of my injury,” Vermaelen told Arsenal Player. “This season started with the same injury in a different foot, but I came back quickly and I have played lot of games. I have played 37 games, so that is not bad. “I am just happy to be out there on the pitch once again.”