David Luiz hails Arsenal debutant Pablo Mari: ‘He makes football a pleasure’

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David Luiz has hailed new signing Pablo Mari for his debut Arsenal performance during Monday’s FA Cup win over Portsmouth.

Mari, who joined Arsenal on loan in January from Brazilian side Flamengo, played the full 90 minutes as the Gunners beat Portsmouth to reach the quarter-finals of the FA Cup.

The Spaniard looked assured in the heart of Arsenal’s defence and helped them keep a clean sheet on their way to a 2-0 win at Fratton Park.

The 26-year-old duly received praise from fans and pundits for his performance and now his centre-back partner, Luiz, has hailed Mari’s display too.

“I’m so happy for Pablo, he’s a great guy, a great player and he had an amazing game,” said Luiz.

“So we are here to help each other and we are here, 25 players, ready to play, ready to play for Arsenal and ready to give the best job.

“When it’s like that it’s a pleasure to play football as I will say to the guys, especially to these young lads who are starting football.

“They are starting with a great opportunity at a big club and they are doing great, so it’s a pleasure to play with them.

“I think it’s really important to continue what we’re doing every single day. We are improving a lot but you have to be humble and we understand we are not there yet.

“You have to be ready to react and you have to be ready to understand the importance.”

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