Speaking about the incident in September which saw him red-carded against Chelsea, Gabriel says that he will always stand up for his teammates, and that it’s part of his instincts to do that.
The Brazilian was sent off for a contretemps with Chelsea’s fat ogre Diego Costa, and although the red card was subsequently rescinded, it proved costly on the day for the Gunners as they went down 2- 0 to a team that could barely win a game all season.
In an in-depth interview in today’s Independent, the former Villarreal man says he views his teammates like family.
“I will always stand up for the ones I love,” he said. “We have affection for our team mates because we spend most of our time with them. Sometimes we spend more time with our team-mates than our families.
“This is my instinct I always stand up for my team-mates. That’s who I am.”
It wasn’t his first incident with Costa either, the pair clashed in La Liga when Villarreal faced Atletico Madrid, but Gabriel says it’s just part and parcel of the game.
“When we are on the pitch we are different people,” he said. “Diego is a different person and so am I. When we clash there are sparks!
“I was in the Brazil squad with Filipe Luis and those two are good friends. I sent him [Costa] a voice message as a friend. We are good friends. It’s something that happens on the pitch and it is passed.”
His task now is to win his place back in the side, as there’s no doubt that red-card has had an effect on his playing time.
Let’s see how he responds. It’s hard to imagine he won’t give up without a fight.
Really? The Red Card? And not the form of our main center back pairing?
Blogs,
“It’s hard to imagine he won’t give up without a fight.”
Why so pessimistic?
I also don’t agree the red card has hindered him. Correlation rather than causation here? Technically it was even recinded, so he didn’t actually get a red card!
If Wenger has really decided he’s too risky for reacting to Costa then he needs to consider if a PL winning team needs a bit of steel. I get fed up when our players don’t look out for our interests (and to be fair they seem to be improving).
I think Kos/Mert are awesome but it doesn’t worry me when Gabby starts
Vote for him, tell your Arsenal friends. We can do it http://www.sambafoot.com/en/samba-gold
Just did. Come on guys. Vote for Gabriel.
I voted for him in all 3 options!
I love it when a Brazilian plays against Costa, you know they always have additional motivation to clatter the prick.
Mertesacker and Koscielny as a pairing have been brilliant with Laurent being in sensational form. Not many centre backs in world football could break that particular partnership up. Your time will come Gabriel, just not yet.
“Chelsea’s fat ogre Diego Costa”
Why so kind?
Also, misspelled Chelshit.
Would be terrified of getting into a fight with Gabriel. Looks the type to throw some flips and kick the shit out of you.
I’d be terrified of getting into a fight with Costa. The chances of him feigning injury and having the police on me are severe. He’d then sue the arse off me for ruining his shit football career and I’d go to prison for a long time and spend the rest of my life in debt so he can keep overdosing on pies and not bother with the footy anymore. Which he’s shit at anyway. The footy that is. Not the pie eating. He’s great at that. And being a cunt. In a fight with Gabriel you might have your arse… Read more »
This guy might be our new Paddy Veiera…in temperament. Doesn’t take shit from anyone, and just in case, he gives as much as he gets. I absolutely love this guy.
But Gabby must avoid such stupid red card in the future.
It wasn’t a red card, and the only thing stupid about it was Mike Dean.
Love that guy…
I am glad he’s in our gang!
@Eternal Titi, it is indifference that has made Arsenal the most bullied team over the past 10yrs. The team needs a Gabriel type,red cards notwithstanding.Patrick Vieira got lots of them in his Arsenal days but nobody messed with the Arsenal.
“I sent him a voice note….”
*in the Don’s voice*