New Arsenal signing Pablo Mari has thrilled to have joined "one of the best clubs in the world" after becoming Mikel Arteta's first signing as manager.
The defender, who spent three years at Manchester City but failed to break into the first team, has joined by Flamengo on loan with a view to making the move permanent.
Arteta was looking for a left-sided centre-back and filled the void with a player who has won the Brazilian Serie A and Copa Libertadores.
"When I spoke to my agent, it was a big thing that Arsenal were interested in me," Mari told the club's official website.
"This is one of the best clubs in the world, so I'm absolutely delighted to be joining. I'm really looking forward to playing in this jersey and helping my team.
"Right now I want to focus on the day-to-day side of things. I think we need to put the plans to one side for now because the most important thing is to take things one day at a time and focus on achieving short-term goals.
"We need to change the dynamic around the team, so the short-term objectives are the most important thing.
"As I've said, we have Mikel's ideas, aligned with the club, and we need to perform very well to change things."
