Gabriel Paulista is ready to end Arsenal's dreams of Europa League glory this season.
The former Gunners defender returns to the Emirates Stadium for the first time since his exit in the 2017 summer transfer window as his Valencia side stand in the way of Unai Emery's side reaching a European final.
Gabriel spent just over two years in north London and despite being grateful for the opportunity, he has warned his former teammates that his aim is to make history with the La Liga outfit at their expense.
Arsenal sporting director latest: Andoni Zubizarreta and Edu emerge as contenders
"Playing with Arsenal FC was an incredible experience that I will never forget," he told the club's official website. "I want to be in the history of Valencia CF.
It is the year of the Centennial and in 100 years I want you to remember that Gabriel Paulista won the Europa League with Valencia CF.
"We must go step by step.
"I like this kind of matches, this kind of pressure playing against teams like Arsenal FC. I'm ready to do a good job and help this club get as far as possible.
"First you have to be very focused on the game, defend very well and then have personality with the ball, play and try to score a goal.
"Surely we are going to mark. We have to run, die and win to reach this final."
Whilst Gabriel could make the Valencia starting XI at the Emirates on Thursday, fellow former Gunner in Francis Coquelin will miss the reunion through suspension but will be available for the second leg at the Mestalla.
The Frenchman was booked against Villarreal in the quarter-final second leg for handball .
That's his third yellow card in European competition this season and was two minutes away from being available at the Emirates as bookings were wiped out before the semi-final stage.
Keep up to date with the latest news, features and exclusives from football.london via the free football.london app for iPhone and Android .
Available to download from the App Store and Google Play .
