Arsenal defender Gabriel attended the pre-match press conference ahead of the UEFA Champions League group stage second leg against Lille at home. During the press conference, Gabriel discussed the team's desire to win the Champions League, his reasons for joining Arsenal, the influence of head coach Arteta on his career, his partnership with Saliba, the arrival of Guimaraes, and the support he received from teammates after missing a penalty in the Champions League final.

Related Reading: [Gabriel: If there's another penalty, I'll still take it; the match against Lille will be a special day]

Reporter: Taking on a penalty in the Champions League final was clearly very brave, and you've been very open about it. Arsenal has never won the Champions League. Last season, you came close to winning two trophies. How eager are you and your teammates to win this trophy that Arsenal has never won before?

Gabriel: Like I said, we are highly motivated and eager to challenge for every trophy. Tomorrow we have another opportunity to compete in the Champions League, playing in front of our home fans. Yes, I think we are ready to go.

Reporter: Hi, Gabi. When you were at Lille, there seemed to be several Premier League options available to you. You ultimately chose Arsenal, but Manchester United and Everton were also strongly linked with you at the time. Can you tell us about your decision-making process and what your options were?

Gabriel: When they contacted me, the project the club showed me made me very happy, and my family too, which is why I came here. Yes, I am very happy at this club, and I think I made the right choice. I've been here for six years now, so yes, I'm really happy. I'm enjoying this club, and I want to achieve a lot here and win many trophies.

Reporter: Regarding head coach Arteta, he has always had great faith in you and helped you reach your full potential. How important is his contract extension to the team? Does it make you want to stay here even more?

Gabriel: Yes. I think every week I'm grateful to Mikel for how he pushes me and the whole team, showing his desire to win and the spirit he possesses. I think he inspires everyone. Yes, he is the coach, of course, but he gives us immense confidence to play and enjoy every moment on the field. Yes, we are really happy to have him.

Reporter: Hi, Gabriel. We spoke with Mikel earlier, and he talked about your transformation since joining Arsenal—not just as a player but as a person—calling this growth phenomenal. How would you describe the changes and growth you've experienced as a person and a player since joining Arsenal?

Gabriel: Sorry, I didn't fully understand the question just now. Could you repeat it?

Reporter: How have you grown and transformed as a player and a person since joining Arsenal?

Gabriel: Yes, I think I've changed a lot since coming to Arsenal. I think Mikel is the pillar of all this. He helps me every day at the club and pushes me to show my best. Like I said, he is my pillar. I enjoy it here, and I think he has pushed me a lot; he wants me to be the best, so I'm happy to work with him.

Reporter: Is your partnership with Saliba also a very natural understanding? Mikel said your initial partnership with William was very natural.

Gabriel: Yes, I think that's very natural too. Like I said, since he arrived, we've enjoyed playing together. Of course, he's a great player and also a very good person. It's great to be around him daily; he always has a smile on his face. So yes, I think that understanding is very natural, and we enjoy it.

Reporter: Hi, Gabi. Now with Bruno Guimaraes joining, there's another Brazilian teammate here. How happy were you when you heard he was going to sign for Arsenal? What changes do you think he has brought to the team so far?

Gabriel: He's a very good person, and I'm happy he's with us. When he told me he might come to Arsenal, I kept encouraging him to join us, telling him he would enjoy this club. Yes, we are really happy to have him, and I think he's happy here too.

Reporter: Besides Bruno, you mentioned that your teammates helped you a lot. I'd like to know what exactly they said or did to support you after the penalty?

Gabriel: I think anything can happen in football. In the final, after I missed the penalty, they immediately hugged me. Of course, like I said, I was sad and just wanted to forget that moment. But after that, I went to the national team, and it was the same there; the Brazilian players and coaches said many positive things to me. Marquinhos helped me a lot at the time. Missing a penalty in a final is by no means easy, especially in that kind of setting. I think they helped me a lot and said many positive things to me.

Reporter: Gabi, one last question, asked in French. What exactly has Mikel Arteta done to help you become such a good ball-playing defender?

Gabriel: He taught me a lot. If I can, I'll answer in French. Since coming to Arsenal, I've worked very hard, giving my all every day. Mikel is the pillar here. I've been at Arsenal for six seasons, and I'm really enjoying my current state. Mikel has given me many opportunities. He is my pillar. It's not easy to be one of the best defenders. In terms of details, I think it's more about what you see on the field. He shows me many video clips about what I can do and how I can improve. It's hard to explain in words, but everything he does truly helps me immensely. (Stands up to leave) Sorry, my English isn't the best, but I tried my best.

Reporter: Your English is excellent. Imagine if it were in Portuguese.

Gabriel: I feel the pressure now.

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