Arsenal defender Kolo Toure has followed the lead of Cesc Fabregas and signed a new long-term contract to stay at the London club.

The 25-year-old Ivory Coast international, who joined the Gunners in February 2002, expressed his delight at committing his future to the club.

"I can see myself staying here for the rest of my career," Toure told Arsenal's official website, www.arsenal.com. "Why would I want to leave. I love my football here, my family is settled here and the club is ambitious. It is fantastic."

A statement on the club website confirmed: "Kolo Toure has committed his future to Arsenal by signing a new long-term contract."

Last week Spanish midfielder Cesc Fabregas signed a new eight-year contract that could keep him at the club until 2014.