Mosquera: Arsenal is the team I have supported since I was a child. They have a unique charm

Mosquera moved to Arsenal from Valencia this summer for 15 million euros. The Guardian recently interviewed Mosquera, where he talked about joining Arsenal, his growth experience, life in London and other issues.

Reporter asked: Something unusual happened last Saturday: Arsenal lost the ball, and two in one go.

Mosquera: When you have multiple clean sheets in a row, once you concede a goal, it stings even more." Mosquera said frankly, "But the opponent is also competing, and it is difficult to maintain a clean sheet record. "

About the team's defensive tradition

"I didn't understand Arsenal's defensive tradition in the 1980s and 1990s, but I like this trait very much," Mosquera said, "This steel defense line still exists today, making it difficult for opponents. Of course, the offensive end also needs to create threats, and forwards need opportunities. The key is balance: defending is not just the responsibility of defenders, but people will pay special attention to our defense because of the statistics - and ensuring that the team does not concede goals is indeed fundamental. These numbers are truly incredible. "

About the transfer fee

"You will never really think about this number, but when you think about it, this is indeed real money, a lot of money. "

"Many people don't know me and have never seen me play," Mosquera said. "I don't care about the transfer fee or the 'super value' statement, and I don't read social media, but I do hear a lot of comments about the deal being a good deal. People around me and people in the club said: 'Listen, everyone is very satisfied with you. 'That's the key: to come here and leave a mark. "

About whether you will be nervous on the court

"Many people asked me: 'Aren't you nervous in front of so many people? 'I always answer no. I've never had that jittery feeling. It's not easy to keep a cool head in this situation, but that's what I am: calm. This is the me you saw that day. The coach just told me to be myself. "

Moskra has been calm since he was a child

"When I was a child, I was very, very quiet. Most kids love hanging out at their friends' houses, but for some reason I wasn't too keen on that. Now my younger brother also plays football (14-year-old Julian is in the Valencia youth academy) and he is more lively, while I am still the calm one. "

About the immigration experience

"My parents came to Spain from Colombia at the beginning of this century. Interestingly, people always ask, 'Which country do you love more?' 'But I don't think there's a conflict in having two cultural identities. It gives me great pleasure to be a symbol of a new Spain, a new generation. My family in Colombia are extremely proud and I strive to be a role model. My parents came here in search of jobs and a stable life. There were more opportunities then, but it was not easy for them to leave home at such a young age. My father worked all kinds of jobs: working at a construction site for a month, and then washing dishes in a restaurant. My mother cleans people's houses. "

About playing defender

"I was about five years old at the time and played various positions. But I was always the tallest guy, which is probably why the coach put me on the back line. "

About youth training experience

"My parents have sacrificed a lot, and I have also made sacrifices - I left home at the age of 12. It’s crazy looking back now. When you see 11 or 12-year-old children being scouted by wealthy families, my mother and I often talk about this topic. None of those choices were easy, but they made me who I am today. "

"My mother said that if she had her way, she would never let me leave. For ordinary people, it is unimaginable to let 11 or 12-year-old children leave their parents, not to mention the uncertain future. There weren't many players from our youth training. But the good thing is that they take good care of it and allow you to learn and grow quickly - sometimes too quickly. It’s a mixed bag of good and bad, but at the end of the day I’ll say: I’ve been through it, and I’ve had the privilege. I understand it's not easy, but it matures you and teaches you life. If my child chose this path, I would support it. "

About joining Arsenal

"I have always watched the Premier League. In fact, the team I support is Arsenal. Because of the players, because of the jersey. I think they are different: they have a unique aura. Before I made the decision, someone in the team said: 'As long as you talk to Arteta, he will definitely convince you. 'That's exactly what happened. The moment I hung up the phone, my destination was clear. "

Q: So is Arteta really as passionate as he seems?

Mosquera smiled: "Yes, absolutely so. He was born for football, grew up in football and experienced everything. You can feel it when you listen to him talk. He is obsessed with details and can see things that ordinary people ignore. I'm so grateful to have worked with him. He's a great guy and helps me a lot. The whole coaching staff made it easy for me to settle in and Arsenal is an incredible club. "

About opportunities and adaptation

"The speed of my integration was beyond imagination. I didn’t expect it before coming, but I felt it in the first few days. What surprises me most about London is that it completely breaks the stereotype of British people being indifferent. You're immediately convinced that you're going to settle in, not just because of the squad and the coaching staff, but also the staff behind the scenes who are so crucial. I was originally staying in a hotel, but found a house with their help. "

About London Life

"Well, that's the goal," Mosquera laughed. "I studied exercise science before, but now I'm starting an online degree in interior design. This subject has always fascinated me and I thought, 'Why not give it a try? ' "

"Relatives and friends often come to visit. We went sightseeing in London and my mother was our tour guide. This city is all-encompassing and full of international flavor. I love this feeling of multicultural integration. "

The same is true for the team about language

, which is helpful. "In the first few weeks, you will be especially lucky to have so many Spanish-speaking teammates, but my English has improved very quickly, " he said, "I have taken a lot of classes and can understand almost everything, and the communication is smooth.. I had some basics in middle school, and I have strengthened my studies in recent years, so I didn’t have a zero foundation when I came here. Tactical meetings are always in English - after all we are in London and this is Arsenal. But the language of football is always easier to master. "

Question: As for real football? Is it very different?

Mosquera puffed up his cheeks and grinned: "A world of difference. The most important thing is the pace of the game: back and forth, more direct. I love it so much. "

When you imagine yourself completing a tackle and causing 60,000 people to burst into excitement

"This will give you a sense of excitement and a surge of self-identity, " he said with high spirits, "The coaching staff has always emphasized: enjoy defense. Those classic tackles or blocks: celebrate. This injects energy into the team and brings energy. This is crucial and our team has this quality in spades. Look at the moments when the team chases back, that's the essence of this season. "

On the impact of the league and Champions League championship

"We are very clear about our mission," Mosquera said firmly, "The restricted area is our home, and no one is allowed to intrude, or even approach. Then create murderous opportunities in the frontcourt. Of course it requires tactical coordination and running, but I think it's more of a mentality issue. Our home: No entry. Everyone in the dressing room is confident and we know what we are capable of and what we can achieve. "