Just How Big is that Shirt Merts? πŸ˜‰

It is like before the first day at school.

Now I have a new challenge in a new country, a new style of play and a new language and I am ready for it.

That’s the big 6’ 6” central defender speaking as he’s ready so say his goodbyes in Germany and head for pastures new in London and he won’t be alone.

Together with Yossi Benayoun, Andre Santos and Mikel Arteta, he’ll be meeting up with all his new team mates today as they prepare for Saturday and the visit of Premier League new boys Swansea.

Mikel Arteta though has already had a couple of days in training and he’s had time to speak about his move and he can’t wait to make his debut. Also, he can’t wait to play at The Emirates in the red and white shirt in front of all the Arsenal fans…

He’s so desperate to slot right into the way we play, he’s been watching videos of the team! One thing he is very clear about though and that’s he’s not Cesc and he’s not Na$ri!

When asked about being seen as a replacement for Fabregas or Nasri, he told afc.com:

No, I don’t want to use the word replacement. They were two top players for the Club, they did really, really well in the last few years and now we have some new players coming in to try and make the same impact.

I am sure we will. I don’t want the fans to be expecting the same as them because every player is different.

We need some time to adapt as well, but I am sure that we will give everything we can to make this team better.

Well said Mikel and all I would add to that is that he’s definitely not a Na$ri, our new man took a pay cut to join us, which just about says it all really….

On making his debut on Saturday?

I am really excited. It has been a bit strange having been at the same club for six or seven years, and it is a big change. Even when you just put a different kit on. But I am so excited, I hope I can do my job well and if I have the chance to play, I will give everything.

He wants to be where he is right now and that is what we need! All our new signings want to play for Arsenal, they have said it and that’s just what we need – ok, they may not all have been at the top of our own shopping lists but let’s get behind them, that’s what they need….

Cesc and the money man are gone, we need fresh ideas and Arteta, along with our other summer signings can bring just that.

They will all be a breath of fresh air in our side and personally, I cannot wait to see what they bring to Arsenal…

As for Mikel, for sure he will never be Cesc, Cesc is a one-off, just like Bergkamp and Henry were…….

Maybe in two or three years time, Mikel will have made his mark, so may have Ryo, Chamberlain, Gervinho and the younger ones like Afobe and Miquel who coming through?

Who knows, but I’m sure we’ll enjoy watching them try…..

Have a good day all….