Source: Team_Talk
Squillaci ready to get physical
Sebastien Squillaci has vowed to embrace the physicality of the Premier League after sealing his dream move to Arsenal.[LNB] Manager Arsene Wenger has already predicted the French defender will offer his team "some variation at the back", and Squillaci does not intend to shirk any challenges.[LNB]The central defender said: "Yes, I do like the duels. I feel it is one of my qualities and here in England there are many duels and it is good to be able to respond physically."[LNB]Squillaci sealed his move from Sevilla on Thursday and knows it could take a short time to adjust to the demands of the English game.[LNB]But he has a reputation as a tough tackler and could provide a throwback for Arsenal to the days of Tony Adams, Martin Keown and Steve Bould, albeit with the benefit of having played in the French and Spanish leagues.[LNB]Squillaci told Arsenal TV Online: "I have played in France, I have played in Spain for two years, I have played internationals and in the Champions League, I am 30 and I have a bit of experience.[LNB]"Now I am going to discover a new league. I have played against English teams like Chelsea, Manchester United and Liverpool so I know what to expect.[LNB]"I know it will take some time to adapt to new team-mates and the new game but I hope that it will happen quickly."[LNB]As a Monaco player he helped the team reach the Champions League final in 2004, before later moving on to Lyon, then Sevilla and now Arsenal.[LNB]He won the French league twice with Lyon and last season helped Sevilla win the Spanish cup.[LNB]Arsenal have not won a major trophy since 2005, when they landed the FA Cup, but the new arrival hopes to capture silverware and believes it could come in the highly competitive Premier League.[LNB]"It is a very difficult league but when you play for Arsenal, you play for titles and cups," he said.[LNB]"I believe you need ambition because the teams are great in the top flight.[LNB]"It is very difficult to be the champions but that is why you need that ambition. Arsenal are a very respected team who qualify every year for the Champions League so why not one day be at the top?"[LNB]He has fulfilled a long-held ambition by moving to England, and claims the Premier League just pips the Primera Division in terms of quality.[LNB]"I believe it is the best one with the Spanish league just behind," he said.[LNB]"It is difficult to compare both because I have not played in the English league yet. I believe these two are the best leagues."[LNB]Squillaci has signed what Arsenal only describe as a 'long-term' contract, and he said: "I hope I will be able to play for another four or five years.[LNB]"It is true that there are many young players here and to arrive at 30 is unusual.[LNB]"But I left France quite late, at 28, to join Sevilla. I played for two years in Spain and now I am playing here.[LNB]"It is an unusual career path but I regret nothing. The most important thing is that it is happening today and I will be playing for Arsenal."
