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Arsenal's Gabriel Paulista talks relationship with team-mates and English lessons
GABRIEL PAULISTA claims his English lessons are already improving his relationship with fellow defenders.
Gabriel Paulista Player Profile
The Brazilian centre-half joined the Gunners in the winter window for £13m, but was unable to speak a word of English.
However, the 24-year-old claims he was taught specific terms ahead of his Gunners debut - the 2-0 FA Cup win over Middlesbrough.
And Paulista claims he had no difficulty communicating with Laurent Koscielny - his partner in the heart of the defence - throughout the game.
"In relation to understanding my team-mates, I always wanted to be tuned into what [Laurent Koscielny] was doing so I could try doing the same.
Gabriel Paulista joined Arsenal in January from Villarreal
I had no difficulty with my defensive partner
"I tried to listen to him as well, to listen to a few words.
"In my [English] lessons I always ask the teacher to teach me the main words we use on the pitch, like “defend, leave, go back”.
"So I had no difficulty with my defensive partner.
"We understood each other really well, and the most important thing is that we managed to win the game."
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