Mikel Arteta has revealed that Arsenal midfielder Fabio Vieira has been sharing information about FC Porto ahead of tonight’s UEFA Champions League clash.
The Portuguese youth international was signed by the Gunners last year from Porto in a £34m deal, with Vieira involved in training yesterday ahead of today’s huge European fixture.
The playmaker has been out injured since November, yet today could see Vieira return to action against his former side, where the midfielder has been providing Arteta with some useful information.
Mikel Arteta reveals Fabio Vieira sharing information to Arsenal on FC Porto
Speaking to the Evening Standard, the Arsenal manager revealed that Vieira has been giving insider information about Porto, the club the midfielder was raised at before moving to north London.
Whilst things might have changed in the past 18 months with the Portuguese giants, Vieira’s unique insight could be what gives Arsenal that extra edge needed to come away with a win tonight.
Arteta said: “He was really pushing because he wanted to be here, that’s for sure. Having an insider, someone who has experience as someone who has lived the culture and the club.
“It’s very important in Europe to understand the context of the game. Where you’re going, what type of club they are, what type of atmosphere you will be facing. He gave us some important information that’s relevant for us.”
Fabio Vieira will want to help Arsenal progress in the Champions League
Tonight will be an emotional night for Vieira as the 23-year-old returns to where everything started in his football career, with the midfielder previously a star at Porto.
Yet the main goal for the playmaker must always remain the same, that being help Arsenal progress to the next round of the Champions League.
The Gunners have a real shot at making history in the coming weeks, and Vieira’s return to the squad could play a huge role in Arsenal winning silverware for the first time since 2020.
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