Zinchenko: Moving to Arsenal is a boyhood dream come true

Oleksandr Zinchenko spoke about working under Mikel Arteta again and what he can bring to Arsenal.

- First of all I would like to say this is a boyhood dream come true, because I was a massive fan when I was a kid. Since Thierry Henry and young Cesc Fabregas was playing here, I was just enjoying watching those games, that Arsenal. And obviously I started to love this club, so I am so excited and I cannot wait to play for this amazing club.

We have seen the photos on social media of you wearing an Arsenal shirt when you were a kid, so was that all the way through?
Yeah, I remember that was in Donetsk, when I was at the Shakhtar academy, and like I said already, it’s a dream come true.

You have just been welcomed to the training camp here in Florida, what have been your first impressions?
It’s an amazing atmosphere you know, everyone is so kind, and all the staff here are amazing. I 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. So I heard here is an amazing atmosphere.

One of those people you knew from Manchester City is the boss. How important was he in your decision to sign?
I would say it’s the most important role in my decision because I’ve known Mister for a while, I used to work with him at Manchester City. Since the first day at City I knew that he’s going to be a very good manager. The way he can see football, especially I was watching the last season of Arsenal’s games and I was really enjoying it. You can see in the style, the picture of the game, so I would love to see it (while) playing and being involved.

What has the boss said to you about your role in the team?
Yes we spoke about my role in this team, but I would like to keep it private and then we are going to see.

You have won four Premier League titles, you have been voted Ukrainian Footballer of the Year – what do you feel you will bring to this Arsenal team?
I’m ready for another challenge. I’m not here just to waste my time and the time of Arsenal because the club is always in front of everyone. 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 The 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.