Dani Ceballos has revealed that he spoke to the parents of Jose Antonio Reyes before completing his move to Arsenal.
Reyes, who tragically died in a car accident last month, grew up in the same Spanish town as Ceballos before going on to spend three-and-a-half years with the Gunners between 2004 and 2007.
The midfielder completed his loan switch from Real Madrid last week, and says he is hoping to follow in the footsteps of his childhood role model.
Speaking to Arsenal's official website , he said: "This is a historic club that I’ve always looked out for because of Jose Antonio Reyes, who is from the same town as me and played here.
"He made history at this club, winning the league title, so it’s an important step in my career for me to join Arsenal.
"I spoke to his father just before coming here and he told me not to think twice because this is a wonderful club. José had a fantastic time here.
"When I came into the training ground I saw a picture of him and it really struck me because he’s like my childhood idol.
"Being at the club where he made a name for himself is a big step forward and I hope to make this club even bigger."
Arsenal fans will certainly be hoping that Dani Ceballos can have the same sort of impact as their former Invincible had following his arrival.
