Published: 7 February, 2013
by STEVE BARNETT

NEW signing Nacho Monreal is confident he can adapt quickly to life in the Premier League after being thrust in at the deep end.

Within 48 hours of swapping Malaga for north London the left-sided player found himself in the starting line-up against a notoriously physical Stoke side at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday.

Far from being overwhelmed by his new surroundings Monreal put in a solid showing and helped the Gunners keep a rare clean sheet.

Asked if he can settle in quickly the Spain international said: “I hope I can. The Premier League is one of the strongest there is and everyone knows about it. It’s a completely different way of playing to the Spanish league. It’s a lot more physical, for example. As the days go by I’ll get used to things and I’ll give my all.

“Arsenal like to keep the ball, which is beneficial for me and I like this part of the team’s game. I love playing with the ball at my feet, short, sharp touches, and good movement. I think Arsenal do have certain elements of Spanish football philosophy. The Spanish people know that there are players of great quality in this team and I hope we can play good football.”

Monreal, who alongside Santi Cazorla was part of the Malaga team that secured Champions League football for the first time in the club’s history, also admitted in the interview with Arsenal Player that it was hard leaving Spain.

“It’s always difficult leaving, going somewhere new and having to start again from scratch. However  there’s no point looking to the past. I just want to thank them for everything they gave me and did for me.

“Now, a new chapter has begun for me, I’m fully focused and want to help Arsenal as best I can. I’m very happy to be here, I’ve really been looking forward to joining this great club and being part of the family here.”