We often talk about how big a club is because of his budget or because of the name of the players they sign. We talk about trophies and how much silverware there is in a trophy case. We talk about stadiums, about sponsorship deals but few remember to talk about identity and about the spirit Premier League clubs maintain today. The Gunners are among the few who stand out because of the way things feel at the Emirates. Wenger’s influence and his old-school take on football help maintain the true spirit of the Red and White shirt, a spirit slowly dying with other teams who no longer have home grow players, who have fewer fans each year and who spend money trying to buy their success.

Fortunately for those who love Arsenal, things are different here in North London. Have a look at what Gabriel said on the club’s official site:

“Inside this club, the happiness and the atmosphere is really good. It’s like a family and that’s the reason things are going well, we’re playing well and winning matches. It’s because of this, which is the most important thing for me.”

The Brazilian is not the first to point out how Wenger managed to turn a football team into a family and how he managed to maintain his beliefs despite having to compete with massive investments as seen with Chelsea, City, United and Liverpool. Somehow the Frenchman kept his head up high and gave it his best so as any new player can adapt and feel right at home at the Emirates.

“I have improved a lot, I really have. Every league has its own characteristics. In Brazil, it’s more of a slow-paced game so I suffered a bit when I moved to Spain.

“It wasn’t easy to adapt to a much faster game where you only have two touches on the ball, so I had some difficulties. But in Spain there isn’t much physicality, that kind of a stronger game, like there is in the Premier League.

“Then I came to England and I think I’ve settled in quickly, maybe because strength and speed are two characteristics of my game. I’ve managed to adapt to this league, which is the best in the world for me.”

These words carry more importance than one may think. Just like young debutants like Fabregas, Walcott, Wilshere or Gibbs showed other young players they actually have a chance to play for a big club like Arsenal, maybe Gabriel will show others money is not everything and a good atmosphere and club with a strong identity are more important.