What was the secret to getting your form back?
Keeping working hard. I always try to do my best, on and off the pitch. That’s what I did. Kept working hard.
Do you prefer playing as No.9 or out wide?
I don’t mind. If I am on the team, I can play as a goalkeeper. I don’t mind.
Gabriel Jesus being back, is that a big boost?
For sure, a big one. He is a great guy and a great player. I have said it many times, but for me he is one of the best in the world. For sure, he is going to help us a lot in the next few months.
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Can the team use the Europa League semis exit two years ago as motivation to go all the way?
Yeah, of course. If you play for Arsenal you need to go into every competition to win and that’s our mentality. We are playing against Sporting tomorrow and we go there to win.
What's your relationship like with Fabio Vieira?
He’s a great guy, everyone can see our relationship. He’s a great, great guy and I love him. He was supposed to be here but he is sick.
Extra responsibility to step given lack of strikers? Do you relish that?
Of course. If I am a No9 or on the wing, I always try to do my best and help the team, and score or assist. I am happy to play as a No9 or on the wing. It is up to Mikel. Wherever he wants to play me, I’ll play.
Are you happy for the extra responsibility?
Yeah I am. We play for Arsenal and I think everyone has this responsibility.
Are you hopeful Bukayo Saka will sign a new contract?
I will be happy because he is a very, very good player, one of the best young players in the world. He is at his house, you know. Arsenal is his home and for sure he is happy. And we will be happy as well if he stays and signs a new deal.
Have you had any conversations with him encouraging him to stay?
Yeah, we always have some jokes - me, him and [William] Saliba. But it’s up to him. But he will stay for sure. He loves the club.
Do you feel like you needed time out of team? Did it benefit you?
Yeah I think it did [benefit me]. It is up to Mikel who plays or not, and if I don’t play I will try to do my best to help the team in other ways. If I come on, I always try to do my best. I think it was good for me, in that game [against Aston Villa] I scored the fourth goal and I was so happy as well.
Was that your craziest moment at the club at the weekend?
Yeah I think it was. It was a crazy game and a crazy ending as well. We won the game and that’s most important thing. But for sure it was the craziest moment for me in the Arsenal shirt.
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