New Arsenal man Dani Ceballos has spoken of his desire to follow in the footsteps of former midfielders Santi Cazorla amd Cesc Fabregas.
Ceballos arrived at the Emirates on a season long loan deal from Real Madrid last week, having attracted interest from across Europe, The 22-year-old has already been given the number eight shirt for the 2019/20 season and has spoken of the players that he wishes to emulate during his time in the red and white.
“When I knew I was joining the club I looked at the Spanish players that had played here in the past,” the midfielder 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."
Spanish international Santi Cazorla left Arsenal last summer after struggling with serious injury problems. He has however made a successful comeback with La Liga side Villarreal, even earning a recall to the National Spain side.
“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," Cabellos added.
“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.”
Ceballos made his Arsenal debut with a 20 minute cameo during the Emirates Cup defeat to Ligue 1 club Lyon on Sunday, and will be looking to impress again when the Gunners face Angers in their pre-season friendly on Wednesday.
