Gabriel Paulista wants to follow in the footsteps of the Brazilian at the Emirates…
New Arsenal signing Gabriel Paulista has revealed that he wants to emulate Gilberto Silva at the North London club in an interview with the club’s official website.
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The centre-back believes his fellow Brazilian is a perfect example of what he hopes to offer Arsenal.
The defender signed from Villarreal in the January transfer window, and will have to unseat either Laurent Koscielny or Per Mertesacker from the team if he wants to play in his favoured role in the middle of the back line.
“I remember Gilberto Silva because he was always with the Brazilian national team,” Gabriel told Arsenal Player. “He was a mirror for every Brazilian player and every child, who looked up to Gilberto Silva as a reference. He was an influence for many players, not only Brazilians but players around the world.”
He continued, “I could see that he was a major element here, he really helped the team, he really is a player I want to emulate because of his type of work and his will to help his team-mates, his will to win as a true Brazilian.
“To me he’s a mirror, so I will always take many good things I saw in him and take it to the pitch, and off the pitch as well, because I think he was an excellent professional who did many good things. I want to be like him, to be able to do the most I can to help everyone,” he concluded.
Gilberto made 244 appearances in his six years at the Gunners, and was a key part of the ‘invincibles’ side that went unbeaten for an entire Premier League season.
Now 38-years-old, Silva was known for his stellar defensive work in front of the back four.
The North London club play against fierce rivals Tottenham on Saturday with the game taking extra significance as both sides are chasing a position in the Champions League qualification places.