Pablo Mari promises to repay the faith entrusted by Mikel Arteta

Spanish defender Pablo Mari has vowed to repay the faith Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has shown in him by working hard in achieving the goals the manager has set for him.

Earlier the London based club splashed out £4million upfront to sign the centre-back on loan from Flamengo for the season, with the option of making the deal permanent at the close of the campaign.

The 26-year-old becomes Arteta’s first signing as Arsenal gaffer, and the former Manchester City player is looking to repay the faith his new boss has shown in him.

“I’m happy to be here today and to have signed for a big club,” said Mari. “I’m going to do my best to help my team-mates and the club.

“I’m a very professional player. I like working hard every day to achieve objectives.

“One thing I can control is working hard on a daily basis to help my team-mates to win football matches and repay the faith that Mikel and Arsenal have shown me by signing me to play here, so that’s my main objective.

“I want to take it one day at a time and achieve big things at Arsenal.”

Mari had earlier played in England as he was a Manchester City player from 2016 until 2019 but failed to register a single senior appearance during this period.mikel-arteta

On returning to the UK, the Spaniard added: “It’s a massive opportunity for me to come to England, which is the best league in the world right now.

“Being able to play in this league and having the opportunity to play for Arsenal is incredible, so I’m really looking forward to wearing the shirt as soon as possible.

“I want to help my team to win matches and give my fans something to celebrate.”

Mari only moved to Flamengo in July but impressed during his short stint in South America.

Arsenal’s technical director Edu confirmed that they were tracking the player for a while.

“Pablo is an experienced player who will provide us with additional defensive quality.

“We have been monitoring Pablo’s career for a while and we are very pleased to have reached agreement with Flamengo for him to join us initially until the end of our season.

“Together with Mikel and his coaching team, we are all looking forward to seeing Pablo in an Arsenal shirt.”

Mari scored two goals in 22 appearances for the Brazilian Serie A side, whom he joined in July 2019.