Edu on the specific qualities new signing Cedric will bring to Arsenal

The 28-year-old Portuguese international joins initially on a six-month loan

Tom Kershaw
Friday 31 January 2020 13:45 GMT
Comments
Arsenal unveil new signing Cedric Soares
Arsenal unveil new signing Cedric Soares (Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Arsenal technical director Edu believes Cedric Soares will bring “full commitment and energy” after completing his move from Southampton.

The 28-year-old Portuguese international joins initially on a six-month loan before it is understood the move will be made permanent.

He joins Pablo Mari as January arrivals for the Gunners as new manager Mikel Arteta re-shapes his squad.

Edu is pleased to get the deal over the line for a player who brings with him a wealth of Premier League experience.

“Cedric is a defender with good experience of the Premier League, and of course at international level,” he said.

“He is another strong addition to our defensive unit who will provide our squad with quality. I know he is a player who plays with absolute full commitment and energy.

“We are all looking forward to going into the last stages of the season with Cedric as part of the club.”

Soares himself is delighted to make a move he could've made "a few years ago".

"It has been a while, to be fair," he said. "We were close a few years ago, so it's not the first time. It didn't happen that time but now thank God it came true. I'm super happy.

"Obviously it was important for me in my career to come here. Southampton gave me the opportunity to play in the Premier League but obviously it's amazing this step, to come here and play for Arsenal.

"To be able to reach this point is unbelievable.

"One hundred per cent that I will give all my best every day and every game. I try to be a guy with energy, a player that goes up and down. I like to consider myself a team player and yes, what can I say? It's difficult when you need to talk about yourself! But again, I will give my 100 per cent for the team and for the fans."

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in