Quesada-Thorn: "I've been dreaming of this"

Signing his first professional contract was a dream-come-true moment for 18-year-old defender, Elian Quesada-Thorn.

Our Costa Rican youth international first joined the club back in 2015 and has been steadily rising through the ranks since his days at Hale End.   

Here is everything he had to say after putting pen to paper on a deal with the club:

Congratulations on signing your first professional contract with Arsenal. This must be a very proud moment for you?

Yes, I am so delighted to have all my family with me here, Per and everyone here to sign the contract. I’ve been dreaming of this since I was a young kid at Hale End, so it’s a great moment for me.

What were some of the factors you had to consider before signing the contract?

Well, I think it was no question really, I mean, I love this club. I’m a boyhood fan: as soon as they offered, I feel like there was no question. 

How would you describe your style on the pitch?

I’d say I'm a versatile player and very creative when I’m on the ball. I love to do the dirty work as well. I can do both sides of the game and hopefully, I can share that this season.

Jack Wilshere has spoken very highly of your ability to be able to tuck inside from the full-back position. How do you view your progression from that aspect of the game?



I think full-back is a massive role in the modem game. We’ve seen it with the first team and how Mikel likes to implement that with Zinchenko. I feel like it’s something I can improve on but it's also a strength of mine as well and I’ve shown that in my matches. I’ll continue to improve and do that more.

At times last season, we saw you make your step up to the under-21s. How important was that experience for your development?



Yeah, it’s really important. It shows that Mehmet [Ali] has trust in me and Max [Porter] as well, and this season is really a chance for me to kick on and continue, play more games with the U21s as an U21 player.

What have been some of your standout moments and memories in your time with us so far? 

Probably too many to even mention, but I just want to thank all the players and all the staff I've worked with from down at Hale End. They helped me so much in my journey, my family, everyone. But I say one stand-out memory is today. 

What are some of the goals and ambitions you have for the duration of this contract now?

To be honest, last season was a bit frustrating because of injuries and things like that, so I'd say that my main goal this year would be just to stay fit. I want to consistently play under-21 games and hopefully earn the trust of Mehmet, but also the first team staff and coaches as well.

And finally, we've got your family in the room today. And can you tell us a bit about the part they have played in getting you to this moment? 

Yeah, my mum and dad have been a massive support for me from a young age, taking me to training. Yeah, I can't fault them at all, but I also want to mention my brother as well. He's really helped me and encouraged me to do well.