“It’s a dream come true” | Interview | News

Our new signing was all smiles after completing his move from Manchester City on Friday.

Alexander Zinchenko flew across the US to join the team on our summer tour in Florida and revealed that it marked the fulfillment of a childhood dream as he has supported the club since he was a child.

The 25-year-old Ukraine international also spoke about working under Mikel Arteta again, his relationship with Gabriel Jesus, his role in the team and what he can bring to the team.

Read on for a full transcript of his first interview…

Welcome to Arsenal Alex! What does joining the club mean to you?
Thank you so much. First I would like to say that this is a childhood dream come true because I was a huge fan when I was a kid. With Thierry Henry and the young Cesc Fabregas playing here, I just enjoyed watching those games, this Arsenal. And obviously I’ve come to love this club so I’m so excited and I can’t wait to play for this amazing club.

We’ve seen the pictures on social media of you wearing an Arsenal shirt when you were a kid, so was that the end of it?
Yes, I remember it was in Donetsk when I was in the Shakhtar academy, and as I said before, it’s a dream come true.

You just got welcomed to training camp here in Florida, what are your first impressions?
You know, the atmosphere is amazing, everyone is so friendly and all the staff here are amazing. I’ve heard a lot of good things from Manchester City people about the medical staff or whatever, the guys working in the kitchen, the players and obviously Gabriel Jesus. I heard there’s an amazing atmosphere here.

One of the people you know from Manchester City is the boss. How important was he to your decision to sign?
I would say that was the most important role in my decision because I have known Mister for a while, I worked with him at Manchester City. I knew from day one at City that he would be a very good manager. The way he can see football, especially I watched Arsenal’s games last season and I really enjoyed it. You can see in the style, the picture of the game, so I would like to see it (while) playing and participating.

How was your relationship at Manchester City? How much has he helped your game?
The way we worked together I was so impressed because I remember how many times we worked hard in training and then immediately afterwards with individual things and I took a lot from the manager and hopefully I can take even more.

And you mentioned Gabby, how well did you bond in practice and in games?
Oh, honestly, we are close and I love him so much. He’s a great friend of mine and I’d like to say he’s also involved in the discussions and all that stuff, so he’s told me a lot of good things about this amazing club and this atmosphere and the guys and everyone here, so I really i am impressed and so excited.

So you’ve talked to him on the phone in the last few days and weeks?
I’m always in touch with him, even when he was at City or when he left, so I was always with him.

We’ve seen you play as a left-back and in midfield for your country, but what do you think is your best position?
Wherever the manager sees me on the pitch. It’s a simple answer but it’s true, even if the manager tells me one day I should be a goalkeeper, I’ll be there.

What did the boss tell you about your role in the team?
Yes, we have talked about my role in this team, but I would like to keep it a secret and then we will see.

You’ve won four Premier League titles, been voted Ukrainian Footballer of the Year – what do you think you’ll bring to this Arsenal team?
I’m ready for a new challenge. I’m not here just to waste my time and Arsenal’s time because the club is always in front of everyone’s eyes. I’m here to achieve big things and hopefully we’ll win some titles and hopefully we’ll fight for every title we’re in. Even from last season I was watching Arsenal games and I could feel it coming, you know? The team is growing so fast and I think it’s time. It’s time to go all out and achieve something big.

You will be our second Ukrainian after Oleg Luzhny, how proud are you to follow in his footsteps?
Yes, I’m so proud to be honest. He is an absolute Ukrainian legend and unfortunately I don’t know him personally, I haven’t had that opportunity yet, but I’ve heard a lot of good things about him and I’m so proud.

You’ve played at the Emirates before, but you must be looking forward to pulling on the red shirt there?
One hundred percent! You found that picture from eight or nine years ago, wearing a t-shirt. I remember exactly that day, I really liked how it fit on me, so I don’t know how people react, but I really like it, even now when I’m sitting with you.

How did it feel when you pulled on your jersey and met the rest of your team?
It’s unbelievable, honestly, like I said, it’s a dream come true and since I was little I couldn’t even dream of it, but now the time has come and I’m so happy.