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Gabriel Paulista has spoken of his admiration for Gilberto Silva and wants to make a similar impression as the Brazilian at Arsenal. Gabriel signed for Arsenal during the January transfer window, arriving from Villarreal to bolster the club's backline. The centre-back has great respect for Gilberto, who spent six years at Arsenal, lifting the Premier League title in 2004, and impressed in a defensive midfield role. "I remember Gilberto Silva because he was always with the Brazilian national team," he told the club's official website. "He was a mirror for every Brazilian player and every child, who looked up to Gilberto Silva as a reference. He was an influence for many players, not only Brazilians, but players around the world. "I could see that he was a major element here, he really helped the team, he really is a player I want to emulate because of his type of work and his will to help his teammates, his will to win as a true Brazilian. "To me he's a mirror, so I will always take many good things I saw in him and take it to the pitch, and off the pitch as well, because I think he was an excellent professional who did many good things. I want to be like him, to be able to do the most I can to help everyone." The 24-year-old Brazilian also revealed how he started his career as a forward before adapting his game to become a defensive-minded player. "I started just as every other child -- I was on the attack, but I never did well," he said. "I kept going back and back through the team, then I went to a club and they put me on the defence. Then I started playing there and it really excited me. "Nothing would take me out of the defence now. Thanks to God, things worked out, and they have been working out in my life, and I think I will never change my position again."
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