“I’m happy, obviously, it’s my home” - Fabio Vieira explains his decision to leave Arsenal and return to Porto on loan

Fabio Vieira has stated that he feels at home after joining FC Porto on loan from Arsenal. He admitted that the move was an ideal one for him as he loved the Portuguese club.

Speaking to O Jogo, Vieira added that he was keen on getting on the pitch for Porto and playing in front of the fans. The midfielder admitted that he had a difficult time with Arsenal as he was not playing enough and said:

“The idea of returning came from me. I love this club and I’m going to give everything on the pitch. I’m happy, obviously, it’s my home. I’m looking forward to being at the stadium, playing in front of these fans and doing the best I can for this club this season. It was a chance that, above all, came to me because it was something I already wanted: to play. I had a difficult time in England, an operation, and at this moment I felt that FC Porto was a good opportunity to continue growing and developing. I felt that this was the right place to do it this season.”

Vieira had groin surgery last season and played just 11 matches in the Premier League, where he scored once and assisted twice as Arsenal finished second. He ended the season with 17 games in all competitions - scoring twice and assisting thrice.

Arsenal loanee claims he is a different man after joining FC Porto

Fabio Vieira has admitted that he is a different man after moving back to Portugal following his difficult stint at Arsenal. He wants to show it on the pitch and said:

“I have more responsibilities. I can say I’m a different man. Obviously they played in a different style than we play here, but both there and here there are two teams that always have control of the ball, most of the time they are in possession of the ball, in offensive processes, but we also have the defensive process, both are very important in football.”

Fabio Vieira played 76 matches for FC Porto in his first stint at the club. However, he managed just 49 for the Gunners since moving to the Premier League side.