Gabriel Magalhaes reveals how Mikel Arteta convinced him to stay at Arsenal
Gabriel Magalhaes has admitted a talk with manager Mikel Arteta helped convince him to stay at Arsenal last summer. The Brazilian centre-back was a regular starter last season but was benched for the start of the current campaign until injuries to Jurrien Timber and Thomas Partey forced Arteta to rethink his tactical tweak. Saudi Arabian officials lodged their interest in Gabriel at the time but the defender has now praised Arteta for showing him that he still had a future at the Emirates. "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 told PA . "It is difficult for any player to not be in the team but now I’m back in I want to keep on working hard to prove my worth. "He [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 tea...