Pablo Mari has told talkSPORT he wants to stay at Arsenal for ‘many more years’ to come – and hopes to emulate what defensive partner David Luiz has achieved in the Premier League.
The centre-back arrived on loan from Flamengo in January, with the Gunners expected to make the deal permanent in the summer for around £13.5million.
Pablo Mari is loving life at Arsenal
Tim Vickery says Flamengo defender Pablo Mari would be a great signing for Arsenal and ‘Man City missed a beat with him’
Football has been suspended indefinitely owing to the coronavirus pandemic, but the extended break hasn’t changed Mari’s stance.
In an interview with talkSPORT’s James Savundra, the Flamengo defender – who was previously on Manchester City’s books – stressed he was happy and settled in north London and finally at a club where’s he able to settle long term.
“I’ve been at five clubs over the last four years. This is a footballer’s life. If you want to play football and you want to improve [to get to a big club] then every year you need to move,” he explained.
“Maybe when you find a club that is good for you, then you can stay and improve with that club.
“I have found myself here at Arsenal. It is a really good option for me.
“I want to stay here and improve as a player and a person. I want to be here for many more years.”
Mari has formed a close relationship with fellow countryman David Luiz at the Emirates
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Meanwhile, the 26-year-old heaped praise on fellow countryman Luiz, someone he has already formed a solid partnership with at the heart of the Gunners backline.
The former Chelsea defender won the Premier League three years ago at Stamford Bridge, while he also has two FA Cup winners medals and a Champions League crown to show for his efforts in English football to date.
On Luiz, he added: “It’s going really well. My feeling with David is nice. We talk a lot, we speak on the pitch. He’s a role model to me, he’s a hero in Brazil.
“David is a really good person and helps me with everything. We want to win everything, so we’re going to try.
“We have a lot of ambition, so I look forward to seeing what the future holds at [Arsenal].”
Listen to the full interview with Pablo Mari on the White & Sawyer show later today