Vieira itching to make Arsenal bow

Having been made to wait for his first outing for his new club during pre-season, Fabio Vieira is excited to be edging closer to pulling on our famous red shirt. 

The Portuguese midfielder sustained a foot injury in action for his country’s under-21 side before making his switch from Porto, but now the end of his recovery is near, he is raring to show his new supporters what he can do.

Reflecting on his first month with us, the 22-year-old said: “It’s been good, everyone has welcomed me and I’m ready to start this new challenge. It’s a small injury I picked up one month ago with the national team but now I feel better and in a few days I’ll come back.

“I’m really excited, I can’t wait to get started and play with our supporters at Emirates Stadium. It’s an honour for me to be here.”

Vieira has been continuing his rehab in Germany and the USA, allowing him to get to know his new teammates a little better off the pitch while he waits to work with them on it, but he is satisfied with the way he has settled in.

“It’s been good,” he said “We have some Brazilian, Portuguese and Spanish players and it’s easy for me. They help me with the language so I’m very happy. My English is not good but I promise I want to learn!”

Gunners supporters are buzzing with anticipation to see what Mikel Arteta has added to his midfield ranks, having researched the summer signing thoroughly since his arrival. What they have found has certainly impressed them, and Vieira was happy to elaborate on his career so far.

“I started to play when I was five years old, and when I was seven Porto contracted me until now, so I spent 15 years there. We won the UEFA Youth League [in 2018/19] which was a big moment for Portuguese football and for me too. It’s an honour and pleasure for me to win that competition.

“Growing up, I liked Ronaldo and Messi - Messi because I’m like him in the way we play, and Ronaldo not because he’s Portuguese but I appreciate him. He’s an example for everyone, works hard every day and has a strong mentality.

“Last season was my best season because I scored many goals and had many assists so now I’m ready to do this challenge for Arsenal.”

Last season’s stats certainly were impressive, with Vieira registering seven goals and 16 assists - including two hat-tricks of assists -  which helped contribute to a league and cup double for Porto. 

However, Vieira admits that he much prefers racking up the assists to getting on the scoresheet, and hopes he contributes plenty of them during the upcoming campaign which has set his aims for already.

“I like to score goals but I prefer assists,” he revealed. “I like to do the last pass and this is one of my best characteristics. 

“I want to achieve getting into the Champions League. It’s really important for this club. We deserve it and we have to work hard every day to achieve that.

“Every game is for a win, and at Arsenal it’s the same. Every game and every day and every training session. I’ll try to do my best and have the mentality to win every day.”