Arsenal defender Gabriel attended a pre-match press conference ahead of the home fixture in the second matchday of the UEFA Champions League group stage against Lille. During the second part of the press conference, Gabriel discussed the team's desire to win the Champions League, his reasons for joining Arsenal, the impact of head coach Arteta on his career, his understanding with Ngoyo, the arrival of Guimaraes, and support from teammates after failing to convert a penalty in the Champions League final.

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

Reporter: Taking a penalty in the Champions League final was clearly very brave, and you've been very honest about it. Arsenal has never won the Champions League. You came close to winning a double last season. How much do you and your teammates want to win this trophy that Arsenal has never touched?

Gabriel: As I said, we are very motivated, and we are eager to compete for every trophy. Tomorrow we will have another opportunity to compete in the Champions League, playing in front of our own supporters. Yes, I think we are ready.

Reporter: Hi, Gabi. Looking back at your time at Lille, it seems you had several options to join the Premier League. You ultimately chose Arsenal, but Manchester United and Everton were also strongly linked with you at that time. Can you tell us about your decision-making process then, and what were your options?

Gabriel: I think when they contacted me, the club's plans made me very happy, and my family too, that's why I came here. Yes, I'm very happy at this club, and I think I made the right choice. Of course, I've been here for six years now. So yes, I'm very happy, enjoying this club, and I want to achieve many things here and win many trophies. Yes.

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

Gabriel: Yes. I think every week I thank Mikel (Arteta) for the way he pushes me and the entire team, showing his desire to win and the passion he has. I think he inspires everyone. Yes, I think he's clearly the coach, but he gives us great confidence to play and enjoy every moment on the pitch. Yes, we're very happy to have him.

Reporter: Hi, Gabriel. We spoke with Mikel (Arteta) earlier, and he talked about your transformation since joining Arsenal, not just as a player but as a person, which has been remarkable. How would you describe the change and growth you've experienced as a person and player since joining Arsenal?

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

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

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

Reporter: So is your partnership with Ezri also a very natural understanding? Because Mikel said your early partnership with William (Saliba) was very natural.

Gabriel: Yes, I think that's also very natural. As I said, since he arrived, we enjoy playing together. Of course, he's a great player and a good person. It's very nice to be with him every day; he's always smiling; he's a good guy. So yes, I think this understanding is very natural, and we enjoy it.

Reporter: Hi, Gabi. Now, with the addition of Bruno (Guimaraes), there's another Brazilian teammate here. How happy were you when you heard he signed with Arsenal? What changes do you think he's brought to the team so far?

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

Reporter: Besides Bruno, you just mentioned that your teammates have helped you a lot. I'd like to know what specifically they said or did to support you at that time?

Gabriel: I think anything can happen in football. At the final, when I failed to convert the penalty, they immediately embraced me. Of course, as I said, I was very sad, and I 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 coach said many very positive things to me. Just like Marquinhos did at that time, he helped me a lot. Because missing a penalty in the final was never easy, especially on such an occasion. 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's taught me a lot. If I could, I could answer in French. Since coming to Arsenal, I've worked very hard, giving my best every day. Mikel is my foundation here. I've been at Arsenal for six seasons, and I'm really enjoying where I am right now. Mikel has given me many opportunities. He is my pillar. It's not easy to be one of the best defenders. In terms of detail, I think it's more about the performance you see on the pitch. He shows me a lot of video clips about what I can do. It's hard to explain in words, but everything he does helps me a lot. (Standing to leave) Sorry, my English isn't that great, but I've tried.

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

Gabriel: I feel pressured now.

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