Manuel was plucked from the football backwaters of Spain to join Arsenal in 2005 and eventually overtook Jens Lehmann as No 1 two years later.
Renowned for his reflexes, the Spaniard is something of a specialist from spot-kicks.
His long list of vital penalty saves include one from Tottenham’s Robbie Keane in his first full season as first-choice, a stop which really endeared him to the fans. Manuel performed similar heroics in a Champions League tie at Roma in 2009 and against West Ham in the Premier League last season.
Manuel is closing on 200 games for the Club and, as one of Arsène Wenger’s most intelligent, experienced heads, he has been entrusted with the captaincy on a number of occasions.
