The 38-year-old Australian reportedly handed in a transfer request at Craven Cottage in August last year after interest from the Gunners who were searching for a new keeper at the time.

In a long-running saga, Arsenal were understood to have submitted two bids of approximately £2m to the Cottagers for Schwarzer which were rejected by Fulham's boss at the time Mark Hughes while there were reports of a last-ditch deadline day attempt to sign the Australian.

Schwarzer had been keen on Arsenal's interest due to his desire to play Uefa Champions League football, having never competed in Europe's top club competition in a long career which saw his reached the final of the Uefa Cup twice.

Approximately 12 months on from the saga, the Australian veteran told The Sunday Mirror this week it had been a difficult situation to handle.

However Schwarzer said he didn't let it affect his performances despite briefly losing his first-team place at Fulham at the start of the 2010-11 Premier League season.

“Was it a test for me? Without a doubt,” said Schwarzer. “It is always a big test when there is speculation and an ongoing saga.

“What you have to do is get your head down and do your job. I showed that I could do that.

“I am an employee of Fulham and I have always said I love playing for this club.”

Schwarzer's commitment to Fulham was in evidence in midweek when he returned from groin surgery to play his part as the Cottagers begun a long season with a 3-0 Europa League qualifier win over Iceland's NSI Runavik.

The Australian is likely to remain Fulham's number one this season under new boss Martin Jol, who has spoken about loaning out impressive second choice David Stockdale.