Arsenal’s Gabriel on life in London and learning english

Arsenal’s Brazilian defender Gabriel says that he is surprised how quickly he has settled into life in London. The ex Vitoria and Villarrea defender moved to North London club Arsenal in January 2015 and he says that his adaption has been smoother than expected, even if his English still isn’t quite up to scratch.   […]
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sambafoot_admin
2016-04-07 19:31:00

Arsenal’s Brazilian defender Gabriel says that he is surprised how quickly he has settled into life in London. The ex Vitoria and Villarrea defender moved to North London club Arsenal in January 2015 and he says that his adaption has been smoother than expected, even if his English still isn’t quite up to scratch.

 

Speaking to Arsenal’s ‘Double Club’, which focuses on teaching children languages, Gabriel said, “It has been a good experience, I didn’t think I’d settle into the club, the league and the city so quickly and I thank God I was able to do that so quickly.”

 

Though he admits adapting to life in Spain when he left Villarreal was harder for him, “It was difficult, it was the first time I had been away from Brazil, away from my family, my wife was pregnant too so it was a tough time. It meant settling into a new country, with different food and a different style of football too. It wasn’t fast and it wasn’t easy.”

 

Gabriel says he is finally getting to grips with English, having spent just over a year in London, “I learnt the most important words on the pitch quickly, especially for a defender. I need to be able to communicate with other defenders and the goalkeeper.

 

“I can say a few things and my understanding is better than my speaking,” he admits, “My English isn’t fantastic, but it’s enough to be able to play. I’m studying to learn a lot more because it is an important language to know in the world.”