‘The Arsenal player I really admired’

Lucas Perez says he has fond memories of watching Arsenal during the club’s “wonderful” start to the 21st century.

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The Spanish forward was 15 when the Gunners went unbeaten during the 2003/04 Premier League season - and has spoken of his particular respect for one member of that squad.

“Well, obviously everyone knows about Arsenal’s legendary players, such as Henry and Bergkamp,” he told Arsenal Player. “I really admired Reyes, who’s a fellow Spaniard.

“[There’s] Pires, Vieira too… that was a wonderful time for Arsenal and everyone knows all those players. People know all about them in Spain and that history of having legends at the club is part of the reason Arsenal are so popular.”

Lucas is looking forward to meeting up with Arsenal’s current Spanish contingent.

“Bellerin said hello and so did Cazorla [when I arrived at the club] - they were both here at the training ground,” he added.

“I’ve seen them play and things but I don’t know them personally because I only started playing in La Liga two years ago, by which time they’d certainly come here, so I never got the chance to meet them in person.”