Gabriel Magalhaes is once again playing a pivotal role for Arsenal in their pursuit of a long-awaited Premier Legaue title. But things could have gone very differently for the Brazilian had he not listened to Mikel Arteta at the beginning of the season.
Speaking to PA Media, the 26-year-old admitted he considered a move away from the Emirates Stadium in the summer. According to Gabriel, he thought about packing his bags as the Gunners signed Jurrien Timber from Ajax, but the Spanish coach ultimately convinced him to stay.
READ MORE
++ Gabriel Magalhaes" goal helped Arsenal reach a record
++ Pundit comes for Arsenal"s defense, calls Gabriel Magalhaes vulnerable
++ Arsenal"s Gabriel Magalhaes tops Premier League defender goal charts since 2020 debut
Gabriel Magalhaes almost wanted out
“It was tough, obviously at the start. I wanted to play and it was very difficult for me but I understood what the coach had to do," Gabriel said. “It is difficult for any player to not be in the team but now I"m back in and I want to keep on working hard to prove my worth. [Arteta] spoke to me and obviously explained the reasons behind the decision. Why I should stay – but the most important thing was to remain focused and concentrate – he knew how important I was to the team, so I"m happy to be back and to be able to help the team in every game. I"m happy to be back in the team and hopefully, I can help them moving forward."
🚨 The highest-scoring CB in Europe since 2020 scores again! ⚽️
Gabriel Magalhães now surpasses Thomas Vermaelen with his 14th Arsenal goal! 🇧🇷
He’s now the SECOND-highest scoring defender in Arsenal history! 📍 pic.twitter.com/sx5Ee9D2kp
— Eduardo Hagn (@EduardoHagn) February 11, 2024
Magalhaes saw his place on the team in jeopardy, with Timber making the starting eleven in Arsenal"s opening game of the season against Nottingham Forest. However, the Dutchman got injured only 50 minutes into his Premier League debut and Magalhaes has constantly made the lineup since then.
