Laurent Koscielny was delighted with his personal progress with Arsenal last season.

The France defender puts much of his improvement down to hard work off the pitch.

"I was in the gym more, that is the first reason [I have been stronger]!" he told Arsenal Player.

"I feel better than last year. I know the league, my team and the Club. I think I am better on and off the pitch so for a player, when you feel good with your team-mates, the Club and his family, it is better. I feel very good to help my team and to qualify for the Champions League. I just wanted that for the end of this season.

"I know this league more than last year. In all my body I am better, not just physically, psychologically as well. It's great for me, I work hard in training to be strong and the results have been in my game. I try to be strong and be the best defender I can in my team."