New Arsenal signing Denis Suarez has revealed he was a boyhood Gunners fan – with club legends Thierry Henry and Dennis Bergkamp proving an inspiration to him.
The Barcelona midfielder, who will wear the No 22 shirt for Arsenal, moves to the Emirates on loan until the end of the season.
After penning a contract extension until 2021 at the Camp Nou, Suarez joins his compatriot Unai Emery in north London, with the Gunners possessing an option to buy.
And Suarez has revealed he has always been a keen follower of the Gunners, a club he says has the same football philosophy as himself.
He said: “One thing no one knows about me is that when I was little I used to watch the Premier League on TV.
“When I was little, Arsenal was the team that inspired me, I used to watch Bergkamp and Henry, they were legends.
“My football philosophy? Have fun, enjoy yourself and win.
He continued: “I’m a midfielder and by best quality is my final ball. The person I look up to most in the world of football is Andres Iniesta.
“He has always been my idol, ever since I was young.”
The 25-year-old also delivered an emotional message to his Barcelona team-mates after completing a move away.
He said: “You’re a group of amazing people! Thank you for everything, see you soon. Good luck and Força Barça.
Pep Guardiola had just left the Blaugrana before Suarez left City to join Barcelona as a 19-year-old.
And after spells with Sevilla and Villarreal, Barcelona bought the player back in 2016, but after failing to gain game time under Ernesto Valverde, he has decided to take on a new challenge in north London.