New deal for Hangeland ends Arsenal speculation

Brede Hangeland has ended speculation over his future by signing a new contract with Fulham that runs until the end of the 2012-13 season.

Fulham's Brede Hangeland (right) vies with Portsmouth's Sean Davis during their Premier League match at Craven Cottage in London, January 2009. Hangeland has ended speculation over his future by signing a new contract with Fulham that runs until the end of the 2012-13 season.

The Norway captain has earned a reputation as one of the best centrebacks in the Premier League since moving to London from FC Copenhagen last year and has repeatedly been linked with a move to Arsenal.

But the 28-year-old has now decided to commit the remaining peak years of his career to Fulham, a decision which influenced manager Roy Hodgson's own decision to agree a new contract with the west London club.

"I am delighted to have just signed a new deal and hope that this will now end months of speculation about my future," Hangeland said.

"I have always maintained that I am happy at Fulham and committed to doing everything I can to ensure ongoing success of the team."

Fulham's seventh-place finish in the Premier League last season was the best in the club's history.

"This is a testament to everyone involved at the club including the manager and chairman who is dedicated to the club," Hangeland added.

Hodgson, who revealed earlier this week that he has verbally agreed a contract extension of his own, voiced his delight over Hangeland's decision to stay.

"He is an extremely important player for us and a model professional, so we are all very happy that he will be at Fulham for the long term," Hodgson said.

"We have some very important games coming up and this news will give a boost to everyone here, so we'll focus on Bolton this weekend, and I know the fans will show their appreciation tomorrow."