New signing Gabriel Paulista reveals his Arsenal hero

Gabriel Paulista has revealed that Giberto Silva is one of his footballing idols.

Gabriel joined the Gunners from Villarreal in a £11.2m deal, with forward Joel Campbell heading to the Spanish club on a season-long loan.

And the defender has described former Brazil international Gilberto as one of the players he looked up to during his spell at Arsenal.

I want to be like him, to be able to do the most I can to help everyone

Gabriel Paulista

“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.

“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.”

Arsenal were granted a work permit for Gabriel last month, despite the fact that he is uncapped and not a European Union citizen.

Gabriel could make his Arsenal debut when the Gunners travel to north London rivals Tottenham Hotspur in their next Premier League game on Saturday.

Arsene Wenger’s men are currently fifth in the Premier League table after their impressive 5-0 drubbing of Aston Villa at the weekend.

Gabriel was an unused substitute during the home win over Paul Lambert’s side on Sunday.

The Gunners are 11 points behind leaders Chelsea after 23 games this season.