Arsenal star Fabio Vieira has told his club’s website that Manchester United superstar Cristiano Ronaldo is his idol, and not just because the two players share the same nationality. The United star’s work rate is something admired.
Vieira, 22, is likely to start once again for Arsenal on Thursday night, when the Gunners take on Zurich at the Emirates. He has started all five Europa league group games, and his game time in the Premier League is improving.
The £34m star, a summer signing at Arsenal, has made an exciting start. Even scoring two goals, one in the Premier League against Brentford. But he is yet to break into the Premier League side on a regular basis.
Indeed, Vieira is still in the infancy of his Arsenal spell and at 22, he is likely to have to be patient for more game time on the weekend. Speaking ahead of a game where he should start, he was asked for his idols. Ronaldo, is one.
“The two biggest influences for me are Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. Ronaldo not because he is Portuguese, but he is really someone who really inspires others with his work ethic,” Vieira said, on the club’s website.
“How he had to leave his family, his comfort zone to sign for Sporting, for him to build the career that he has built inspires everyone. Messi is more to do with my style of play. I am similar to Messi. I appreciate the way he plays.”
Manchester United superstar Ronaldo is idol of Arsenal star Vieira
Vieira is a top talent. But he is only going to provide cover for Martin Odegaard as things stand. Unfortunately for Vieira, Odegaard is absolutely crucial to Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal side and will not be dropped any time soon.
However, Vieira is showing plenty of quality and has versatility, too. He can play alongside Odegaard, and may even offer quality from out wide. Arsenal do lack cover for wingers Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli and Emile Smith-Rowe.
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