£85k-a-week Arsenal ‘leader’ says joining Gunners was one of the happiest days of his life

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Arsenal defender Pablo Mari says his move to the Emirates Stadium last year was one of the happiest days of his life.

The 27-year-old joined Arsenal from Brazilian club Flamengo in January 2020, initially on loan before signing permanently in June in a reported £14million deal.

Mari penned a long-term contract at the Emirates Stadium, reportedly running until 2024 and worth £85,000-a-week.

The Spaniard was sadly out of action long-term after suffering an ankle ligament sprain in June but returned to first-team action in December.

Mari has made seven senior appearances for Arsenal since his return and has been praised by Mikel Arteta, who deemed him a “leader” and a “professional” who trains “really hard”.

On Friday, Arsenal took to Twitter with an on-this-day post recalling Mari’s arrival to the Emirates, when he penned his initial loan deal.

And Mari responded with this kind message:

Arsenal are in Premier League action against Manchester United at the Emirates on Saturday, but it remains to be seen whether Mari is involved, as he is still nursing a calf injury.