Denilson: 'Now It Is My Time To Write My History In The Pages Of Arsenal'

• 
  

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger will be pleased that Brazilian midfielder Denilson has stepped to the fore at the Emirates Stadium this year, after the departure of key midfielders from the Gunners squad recently.

20-year-old Denilson has impressed with his early season performances in the Premier League, with the young Brazilian showing Wenger that he can fill the void in central-midfield left by the departure of Gilberto, Mathieu Flamini, Lassana Diarra from the Emirates in 2008.

Wenger had thought that maybe it would be Abou Diaby that rose to prominence in midfield for the Gunners alongside Spanish International Cesc Fabregas. However, Diaby has still to recover from an ankle break suffered against Sunderland last season, which has allowed Denilson to stake his claim to be a regular starter for Wenger in the Premiership.

Denilson has scored twice and assisted in three other goals for Arsenal in five Premier League outings this season, with the young Brazilian revealing that while it is nice to be compared with Gunners midfield legend Patrick Vieira and countryman Gilberto, the former Sao Paulo player now insists it is his time to write his history in the pages of Arsenal.

Denilson told The Sun: “Any comparisons with [Patrick] Vieira are great for me because he was really a player that left his mark on this club. He helped Arsenal to achieve beautiful things so it’s an important reference for me.

“But it’s the same with Gilberto Silva. He is also an example for me to follow. They have both made their mark and now it is my time to write my history in the pages of Arsenal.

"I am very happy with what I’ve been doing on the pitch.

“It has been a great start for me and for the team. As games go by, I get more confident. I hope to keep giving good performances to our fans. My first goal was very important for me and made me very, very happy. It was dedicated to my mother, who passed away in 1999," he declared.

Denilson also thanked Wenger for the support and confidence he has given him since his £3.4million arrival from Brazil in 2006, with the Brazilian also claiming that the Arsenal boss says he is on the right path.

Denilson added: “He talks a lot with me and he gives me a lot of confidence and says that I am on the right way."

“I am very happy and thankful for all the support and confidence he is giving me.”