Gabriel wants to return to childhood club when Arsenal chapter ends
Gabriel has made clear where he hopes to call time on his career (Image: Shirt Shopping/YouTube)
The Arsenal centre-back has repeated his ambition to complete his playing days at Corinthians, the club he supported as a child.
The defender was a crucial figure in the Gunners’ league title victory last term and ranks among the club’s most experienced current players, having made the switch from French side Lille five years ago. Fresh terms signed during the previous campaign commit him to north London for a minimum of three more seasons, by which point he will be 31.
Should he extend again, he would surpass a decade at the Emirates. Otherwise, a return to his homeland could beckon, with only one destination in mind for the player born in Sao Paulo.
As a youngster, Gabriel would accompany his father to watch Corinthians and maintains deep affection for the Brazilian powerhouse. During a segment on the Shirt Shopping programme alongside Riccardo Calafiori, he was questioned about potentially winding down his career at the Sao Paulo outfit.
The Brazilian responded that it represented his ultimate aspiration, discussing his respect for the supporters and the Quimica Arena stadium.
Calafiori faced the same question and identified Roma, the club he supported while growing up and where he launched his senior career.
Corinthians supporters are renowned worldwide for their fervent backing (Image: Miguel Schincariol/Getty Images)
The 28-year-old also voiced his devotion to Corinthians back in 2022, explaining to ESPN Brazil that he had attended their matches regularly from a young age, continuing until he departed for Avai in Santa Catarina at the age of 12.
He stated it remained a club he hoped to represent someday, and whenever he visits Brazil he tries to catch their fixtures given his own enthusiasm, that of his family, and the fact his friends also follow the team.
Gabriel remains committed to Arsenal for the time being (Image: Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
At present, Gabriel’s attention lies with Arsenal’s upcoming league title defence, which kicks off with a home fixture against Coventry City on Friday evening. He looks set to line up alongside a new defensive partner, as Ezri Konsa progresses through a medical examination ahead of his anticipated £50million transfer from Aston Villa.
Arsenal have needed to strengthen following William Saliba’s back problem, which threatens to sideline him for a substantial portion of the campaign. Cristhian Mosquera is also expected to feature prominently and could be preferred to Konsa in the early stages of the season.