Interview

Nuno Tavares' first interview: video, transcript

Nuno Tavares became our first signing of the summer on Saturday when he joined the club from Benfica.

We sat down with the left back at London Colney to discuss his excitement about the deal, what we can expect from him and more. 

Read on for a full transcript:

Nuno, welcome to Arsenal. Can you tell us your emotions at signing for the club?

Thank you. I'm so excited because it is a big club and for me as a young guy, it is a pleasure to be here.

 

How big of an opportunity is this for you?

It's good for my career and to begin at Arsenal is a big club, and I'm very happy.

 

When did you first hear that Arsenal were interested in signing you?

When I finished the season my agent told me that Arsenal were interested in me. In the first instance I was very happy and after this I dreamed about it, and [spoke about it] with my mum. I was so excited to be here, and now I'm here I'm so happy.

 

Did the move happen quickly?

No, it was not a quick process. There were more things about the contract, and with things between the clubs of Arsenal and Benfica. It was not quick, it took a long time, and the negotiations went not quickly

 

What have Edu and Mikel said about what they want from you this season?

Mikel and Edu helped me so much. They speak with me every time, and call me and I feel people want me here. I like that because I need this power and I'm so grateful for this.

 

What is it about Arsenal that you like, and brought you here?

It’s because you have a good project. Young people, it's good for me and we learn together, because we can understand together and we can have an evolution together with the young guys. It's the same. It's a good project with young guys and we understand each other.

 

Can you tell us about some of the Arsenal players that you admire? From the current team and also in history?

In the present I like [Emile Smith Rowe], because he is my generation. He's played against us, on the same side - he played on the right, I played on the left - for the selection (youth) team. He's a good player, and I see Saka too. Young players, good players. And from the past I like Henry. A very good player, and it's good for me to remember that story.

 

How would you describe your style of playing? What will the Arsenal fans see from you?

I am fast, I am good at shooting with my right foot, but I'm left-footed. I can dribble, improvising. That's my qualities, my technique. I have more qualities and I will find more in this club.