Brazilian defender Gabriel Paulista spoke to Arsenal Player recently about his dreams as a child to make a successful football career, claiming that there were times he had thoughts about quitting.
Gabriel has had a good career thus far and is still a young, developing footballer, with the move to England a significant one as he continues to grow. However, the defender claimed it wasn’t always easy for him and he failed trials at both Gremio and Santos.
“It was in Copa Sao Paulo, the most famous competition for young players in Brazil.
“I was playing for Taboao da Serra and Vitoria was in the same group.
“We didn’t pass the group stage but my football was impressive. Then Vitoria called me for a test in Salvador. Thanks God, after that all went well. It was a three-month trial.
“The first month was easy for me because I was looking for something new, but time went by and I never received any feedback and then things started to get a bit more complicated.”
It is well reported that Gabriel grew up with a lack of money and the 24 year-old claimed that this as well as other factors made him consider his future as a footballer.
“I had no money, even for simple things like going out with my friends. There were times I thought about quitting because I was always alone, but I repeated to myself many times, ‘This is my dream, I have to try harder. With my feet on the ground I will succeed in my career’.”
With Gabriel certain he would succeed, the centre back ensured he was a well-recognised part of the Vitoria defence as his impressive performances had Spanish club Villarreal calling for his signature, a two year stint at a club that saw the Brazilian enjoy further triumph.
With Arsenal in dire need of a new defender and Gabriel dreaming of a move to England, the two became a match made in heaven.
Gabriel recalls the desire to join one of England’s best: “I never imagined playing in England, but when we had pre-season games here I started to look at English football more closely and I wanted to join a Premier League team,
“I spoke with my agent and we had a friendly conversation about my desire of joining a top English club. Months later, this offer came, much to my delight, and things are going well.”
Gabriel is beginning to settle at Arsenal after his January move and looks set to partner the imperious Laurent Koscielny at the heart of the defence, dislodging the ageing Per Mertesacker.
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