Oleksandr Zinchenko has opened up on his reasoning behind swapping Manchester City for Arsenal.
The Ukraine international completed a £30million switch to the Emirates this week, after spending six trophy-laden years at City under Pep Guardiola. And speaking about what attracted him to North London, the 25-year-old says two Gunners legends were his inspiration.
"I would like to say this is a boyhood dream come true, because I was a massive fan when I was a kid," Zinchenko told Arsenal's website. "[When] Thierry Henry and Cesc Fabregas [were] playing here, I was just enjoying watching those games, that Arsenal.
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"Obviously I started to love this club, so I am so excited and I cannot wait to play. It’s unbelievable, honestly, like I said, it’s a dream come true and since I was a kid I couldn’t even dream about it, but now it’s time, so I’m so happy."
Following his move, a picture went viral on social media of a young Zinchenko wearing a replica Arsenal kit alongside a group of other young footballers also wearing a selection of team shirts.
On seeing the image, he said: “I remember that (photo) was in Donetsk, when I was at the Shakhtar academy and like I said, it’s a dream come true. I started to love this club, so I am excited and I cannot wait to play for this amazing club.
"I am here to achieve big things and I hope we can win some titles, and I hope we are going to fight for every title in which we are going to be involved. Even from the last season, I was watching Arsenal's games and I could smell it's coming, you know? The team is growing up so quickly and I think it's time. It's time to do our best and to achieve something big."
He is the second player to make the move from City to Arsenal this summer following Gabriel Jesus' £45m switch. Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta said of the signing: "Alex is a high quality player who will give us options and versatility.
"He's a player that I personally know really well and continued to follow him after my time at Manchester City. It's not only about the positions he can play but as well, the versatility he will give us in attack and defence. Alex is a person with great human qualities and character, and I'm delighted that everyone has made this huge effort to bring Alex to the club."
For the second year running, Arsenal take part in the Premier League curtain-raiser when they head to Crystal Palace on Friday, August 5. Last season the Gunners were humbled by newly-promoted Brentford in the Friday night opener, losing 2-0 to the Bees. Arsenal finished fifth last season, two points behind arch rivals Tottenham who pinched the final Champions League slot.
