New Arsenal signing inspired by Cesc Fabregas, Santi Cazorla
New Arsenal signing Dani Ceballos is inspired by Gunners legends Cesc Fabregas and Santi Cazorla
Dani Ceballos has spoken of his desire to emulate the success of Arsenal legends Cesc Fabregas and Santi Cazorla at the north London club.
The Gunners signed Ceballos on a season-long loan deal from La Liga giants Real Madrid last week to bolster their midfield options ahead of the new season.
Ceballos became the third summer signing at The Emirates after Arsenal recruited Brazilian teenager Gabriel Martinelli and Saint-Etienne defender William Saliba.
The Spain Under-21 international has arrived at the Premier League side with a big reputation following his impressive performances for la Roja at the European Under-21 championship this summer.
And Ceballos is hoping to emulate the achievements of his compatriots Fabregas and Cazorla at Arsenal.
“When I knew I was joining the club I looked at the Spanish players that had played here in the past,” Ceballos told Arsenal.com.
“I think Santi Cazorla played some amazing football here and Cesc was the captain for a long time.
“I’d like to follow in their footsteps because they made history at the club and I’m here to help this club to grow and – most importantly – to work hard from the very first moment.
“I think Cazorla is one of Spain’s best midfielders. I’d love to play with him one day – although that would be tricky because there’s a big age difference between us.
“The level Cazorla played at last year after coming back from a really serious injury that just wouldn’t go away… I really think you have to take your hat off to him because I don’t think many players would be able to do what he has done.
“Cesc has always been a player with real character and pride inside. I think you have to have a huge sense of responsibility to be the captain of a club as big as Arsenal and he never faltered.
“He always took responsibility at Arsenal, Barcelona and with Spain and he’s always stepped up at the key moments at all of his clubs.”
Fabregas scored 57 times in 303 games in all competitions between 2004 and 2011 at the north London side.
The former FC Barcelona midfielder won the FA Cup and the Community Shield, as well as finishing as a Champions League and League Cup runner up.
Cazorla arrived in a £10m deal from Malaga in the 2010 summer transfer window.
The Spanish midfielder netted 29 goals in 180 games in all competitions, winning the FA Cup twice before he suffered a spate of injuries towards the end of his Arsenal career.
The Gunners will be hoping Ceballos can inspire a top-four finish next term.
