Gabriel Paulista: "I'm sure that we will score against Arsenal"

Gabriel Paulista is no stranger to the Emirates Stadium, where he played for Arsenal for 2.5 seasons from January 2015. He returns to the ground this Thursday, for Valencia CF's UEFA Europa League semifinal clash with the Gunners.

“Playing for Arsenal was an incredible experience that I will never forget," said the Brazilian this week in the run-up to the game, speaking on Spanish TV's ‘El Tercer Tiempo' show.

"I want to make history with Valencia CF. It's the Centenary year and in 100 years' time I want people to remember that Gabriel Paulista won the Europa League with Valencia CF."

The defender has become a fundamental part of the squad since switching London for Valencia, and Paulista is excited about the challenge ahead on Thursday night.

"I like these types of games and the type of pressure that comes with playing against sides like Arsenal. I'm ready to do a good job and help the club go as far as possible in the competition," he explained.

"First you need to be very focused on the game, to defend well and then show character on the ball, trying to score a goal. I'm sure that we are going to score. We need to run, fight and win in order to get to the final."