Gabriel Magalhaes admits being dropped by Mikel Arteta at Arsenal was ‘difficult’ (Shutterstock)
Gabriel Magalhaes insists he understands Mikel Arteta’s surprise decision to drop him at the start of Arsenal’s season.
The 26-year-old formed a solid partnership alongside William Saliba at the heart Arsenal’s defence last term but for the start of the current campaign in August, the Brazil international was relegated to the substitutes’ bench for the first three games.
Arteta eventually restored Gabriel to the starting line-up for the 3-1 victory against Manchester United at the start of September and the centre-back has retained his place in the side.
The Arsenal manager has since argued that his surprise call to axe Gabriel has made the Brazilian a ‘much better player’, but the defender admits the process of being dropped was ‘difficult’.
‘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 News.
Mikel Arteta claims dropping Gabriel made him a ‘much better player’ (Getty)
‘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 team, so I’m happy to be back and to be able to help the team in every game.
‘I’m happy to be back in the team and hopefully I can help them moving forward.’
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