His post-match interviews were even cited as evidence, because he didn't want to talk about it. Asking reporters to let him enjoy himself rather than answer those questions has been taken as proof that he wants to leave. As has his saying "I've got 2 years left on my contract". As if that means he'd be staying only because of red tape and not because he wants to.

The post-match interview I saw had Paddy being asked "will you be at Arsenal next season?". Yes he said the contract thing, but his initial response was a smile and "of course".

Arseweb has always believed he's going nowhere. If there's anyone out there who still doubts it, check out the Guardian's reporting of an interview with L'Equipe.

"In my mind, it has been clear for a long time that I am staying at Arsenal. I am too happy here, I love the club too much, I am a Gunner."

"We are continuing talks but I have still got two years left and whatever happens I want to continue along this path because we now have the capability to achieve great things here."

"The team is young. In 1998 the team's average age was over 29 despite having me and Nicolas Anelka. Now it must be around 25 years old and this means that if we keep our fighting spirit and we all stay at the club there is no reason why we will not win more and more."

Lookign forward to our prospects in Europe next season, Vieira also makes a good point about our second Champions League group this year...

"Juventus finished fourth in our group and still won the Italian title. We beat Leverkusen 4-1 and they are in the final now, so it was a difficult group and we were very close to go(ing) through"

Even Spanish paper Marca, who have been among those presenting exclusive "proof" of Vieira's intention to join Real Madrid for a year or more, now admit defeat. Usman Hasan translates,

"Patrick Viera assured he was staying long term at Arsenal, the new English league champions, putting an end to the constant speculation about his being on the verge of a move to Real Madrid. The 25 year old French international midfielder had been linked with the Madrid club on numerous occasions and neither the British nor Spanish press had stopped speculating on a supposed signing via Florentino Perez."

No trace of irony that we can detect.

Meanwhile Robert Pires, who is still in France (and may be missing this weekend's partying as he gets on with recuperating from his knee operation), says he'll be sorting out his contract extension soon.

Like they both say, why would anyone want to leave?