Arsenal have been in the market chasing new defenders since the start of the season and were successful in landing Brazilian superstar Gabriel Paulista from Spanish side Villarreal in the January transfer window. On completion of the move to the Emirates, the defender has made a shocking revelation in which he has stated that he became a defender because he was useless up front.
The Brazilian center-back has recently admitted in an interview that he grew up playing as a striker as a youngster in Sao Paulo. The fact that he was never good enough in front of goal, resulted in him being dropped into the back line of the side and eventually became a defender. In the interview that took place, Gabriel said,
“There were always small teams close to where I used to live, where my family lived, and I started just as every other child – I was on the attack.”
“But I never did well. I kept going back and back through the team, then I went to a club and they put me on the defence, and then I started playing there and it really excited me.”
“Nothing would take me out of the defence now.”
“Thanks to God, things worked out, and they have been working out in my life, and I think I will never change my position again.”
The player who made a £11.2m move to the Premier League has vowed to emulate countryman Gilberto Silva for the Gunners after making his move from the La Liga side. He further added,
“I remember Gilberto Silva because he was always with the Brazilian national team.”
“He was a mirror for every Brazilian player and every child, who looked up to Gilberto Silva as a reference. He was an influence for many players, not only Brazilians but players around the world.”
“I could see that he was a major element here, he really helped the team, he really is a player I want to emulate because of his type of work and his will to help his team-mates, his will to win as a true Brazilian.”
“To me he’s a mirror, so I will always take many good things I saw in him and take it to the pitch, and off the pitch as well, because I think he was an excellent professional who did many good things.”
“I want to be like him, to be able to do the most I can to help everyone.”