'Football Has Lost' - Figo Hits Out At Blatter Re-Election

Luis Figo says "football has lost" after Sepp Blatter was re-elected as Fifa president on Friday and again called for him to quit his post.

The 79-year-old beat off competition from Jordan's Prince Ali to hold on to his position, which will see him serve a fifth term as the head of the game's governing body.

Blatter polled 133 votes to his rival's 73, which would have been enough to take the contest into a second round of voting, but Ali opted to withdraw.

His victory comes as Fifa is embroiled in a major investigation that began earlier this week, which saw US authorities make seven arrests and charge 14 senior executives on suspicion of bribery and corruption.

Figo - who originally intended to run for presidency before withdrawing in a bid not to split the vote and aid Blatter's campaign - said he was devastated by the result.

"Today was another dark day in Zurich," said the Portugal legend. "Fifa has lost, but above everything, football has lost and everyone who truly cares about it has lost too.

"Mr. Blatter had a very cynical reaction when he said that he couldn't control everyone. It offends everyone's intelligence. These persons, whom Mr. Blatter has promoted through years, turned, with him, Fifa in to a decadent organisation.

"If Mr. Blatter were minimally concerned about football, he would have given up of the re-election. If he has a minimal of decency, he will resign in the next few days."

Arteta Hints At Arsenal Contract Extension Despite Limited Influence

Mikel Arteta insists that he intends to remain at Arsenal despite the emergence of Francis Coquelin and his limited game-time at the Emirates Stadium.

Arteta, the Gunners' captain heading into Saturday's FA Cup final against Aston Villa, has made just 12 senior appearances for the club in 2014-15, with injuries limiting his influence on the team.

The Spaniard last appeared for Arsenal in the Premier League in the 2-1 loss to Manchester United on November 22 and says that he has enjoyed having an "input from outside" despite his troubles.

And the 33-year-old has hinted that he is set to sign a contract extension after this weekend's clash with Aston Villa.

"I will discuss my future after the final, it's been a strange season for me since November, with my injury," he told reporters at the club's London Colney training headquarters.

"I had some really tough times. But I have learned a lot. My aim is to be on the pitch as much as I can.

"I would love to stay. The indication is we are both very clear on what we want and we will announce something after the final."

Coquelin has enjoyed a stunning rise since he returned from his loan spell at Charlton Athletic in December, with Arteta full of praise for his young team-mate.

"I think it was probably the nicest surprise of the season because he had to go on loan and I don't think he was really happy to do that," he added.

"But he put a really good impact to it, the way he adapted to the game and the way he gave something to the team that we were missing. He was great, he's given balance, he has competed as well as anybody else in the team, and he's been really consistent. He will be here for a good few years.

"I've always liked Francis and I like him a lot now."

Aaron Ramsey has previously outlined his desire to see Arsenal win the Premier League title next season and Arteta echoed the Welshman's sentiments, though he says that investment this summer is necessary as the club "missed something" in 2014-15.

"We want to push and win the Premier League, that's for sure, and it's up to the manager and board to decide what's the missing ingredient," he said.

"There's something we missed, whether it's that we didn't have the full squad ready for the biggest part of the season, with a lot of players out, whether we were missing that final bit of quality to win it or deepness in the squad, I don't know what it is, it's up to them to analyse that.

"Everybody's up for it and I'm sure they are as well."

Wenger: Arsenal Will Not Sell Wilshere

Arsene Wenger has dismissed talk of Arsenal selling Jack Wilshere and hinted at a possible contract extension.

The midfielder recently made his return after yet another injury setback, which has restricted the 23-year-old to just 13 Premier League appearances this season.

In his absence, Santi Cazorla and Aaron Ramsey have shone in midfield has while Francis Coquelin established himself in the first team, with Wilshere recently admitting he is yet to discuss his future with his manager.

Wenger, though, insists he has never entertained the idea of selling Wilshere and is not about to start, pointing to the loyalty shown by the club during the England international's many injury troubles.

"I made Jack Wilshere start at 17 years of age," Wenger told reporters. "That means that you cannot show a bigger desire of wanting a player.

"We have always extended his contract and we have been very patient with all his injuries. At some stage I think he must feel wanted.

"We always stood by him through every difficult moment. Does that mean we want him to stay here for a longer period? Yes, as we would like to benefit from his talent now."