Gabriel Magalhaes reveals his greatest obstacle at Arsenal and reflects on Brazil’s exclusion from the 2022 World Cup
Gabriel Magalhaes discussed the greatest obstacle he has faced at Arsenal and his exclusion from Brazil’s World Cup squad for 2022.
The 25-year-old defender completed a lucrative transfer from Lille to Premier League powerhouses at Emirates Stadium in the summer of 2020.
He is nearing 100 competitive appearances for the Gunners, forming a productive central-defensive partnership with William Saliba in the 2022-23 season, but admits he had to overcome a difficult start to his time in England in order to become a reliable option for Mikel Arteta.
Gabriel told ESPN Brasil about adjusting to life in England, “Coming to a club like Arsenal has made all the difference, and I’m very happy to be here. Playing in a league that is so difficult and one of the best in the world.
“Since my arrival, I’ve learned a great deal, and while it was initially challenging, things are now much easier. I’m well adapted. I am more knowledgeable about the Premier League and Arsenal’s style of play. This made things simpler for me. The style of play posed the greatest challenge for me, but I work very hard on a daily basis. I believe I have grown since my arrival. I am thrilled to acquire more and more knowledge.”
Gabriel has generally impressed during his time in north London, helping Arsenal to the top of the Premier League table, but he was overlooked for Qatar 2022 duty by his national team. Having previously sat out a successful Olympic campaign in Tokyo due to injury, he said of this decision, “I was definitely sad. It is normal for an athlete, and even more so for one who was in the group but missed the final call-up. My family was close by, and everyone at Arsenal spoke to me. I have a robust intellect and am a family person.
“That is a part of football, so I was able to properly digest it. I will continue to work, knowing that I have more World Cups ahead of me. I will make every effort to be there.”
Gabriel Magalhaes reveals his greatest obstacle at Arsenal and reflects on Brazil’s exclusion from the 2022 World Cup