VIDEO: Mathieu Debuchy's first interview

Mathieu Debuchy signed for Arsenal on Thursday - and now you can watch his first interview as a Gunner right here. Here is a transcript of what he had to say:

Mathieu, welcome to Arsenal Football Club, how does it feel to be here?

I’m very happy to be at Arsenal, and to sign for this big club. I’m very excited to get going.

Tell us why you chose Arsenal...

Because Arsenal are one of the biggest clubs in the whole world. I am very proud to sign for Arsenal and to wear the colours.

Was the FA Cup victory especially important in your decision?

Yes and no. I know that Arsenal can win titles every year. Winning the FA Cup last season was something magnificent but I hope that it is just the beginning and that there will be more to come next season.

What did you make of Arsenal last season?

It was a very good season. Arsenal are always consistent. We are always at the top end of the table every year, so last season was another good campaign.

What about Arsène Wenger, was he a big influence on your decision?

Yes, of course. Everyone knows Arsène Wenger. Everyone knows he’s a great coach so of course, he had a part to play in me coming here.

What other factors make you believe that Arsenal are set up for more success in the next few years?

There are some really great players in this team. We saw that last season and I think it will be even better this season. As I just said, I hope there is more silverware to come in the next few years.

How much did you learn in your time in Newcastle about the Premier League?

It’s a very difficult but exciting league. Every match, every weekend is tough, but it’s fantastic to be able to play in one of the top leagues in the world.

How much of an advantage is it to have Premier League experience behind you? It means you can hit the ground running...

I think the settling-in period will be easier. I’ve been playing in the Premier League for a year and a half now so I already know it well, so that will be in my favour.

I am sure you’d like to pay respect to Newcastle and what they did for your career too. Was it hard to leave them?

Yes, of course. I only spent a year and half at Newcastle United and it was an extraordinary experience at a club with great fans. I thank them from the bottom of my heart because they really supported me during my time there and I hope they understand that I had a huge opportunity which I simply could not refuse.

You had two seasons of Champions League football at Lille, how much do you want to test yourself at that level again? Was that one of the most important factors in this move?

Yes, that’s why I’ve come. I’ve come here because I really want to play Champions League football again, it’s one of the biggest competitions in the world. Everyone wants to play in it.