Gabriel extends Arsenal contract, slow start for Carlo Ancelotti with Brazil

RTÉ News​

21 hours ago

Arsenal defender Gabriel has committed his future to the club by agreeing a new long-term contract.
The Brazil defender, 27, who was one of Arsenal's star performers last season, had two years to run on his current deal.
Gabriel's contract extension, understood to be a four-yeal deal, will be viewed a major boost for the Gunners ahead of what is due to be a pivotal summer.
Gabriel, who joined the in 2020, said: "Arsenal is an amazing club and I'm so proud to sign a new contract.
"I love this club, I love the supporters, my teammates, I love this stadium. I'm so proud and thank you for all the support. We continue together for the future.
"I hope I win some trophies with this club, because I love this club and my family loves the club, too.
"I arrived here as a young player and after almost five years I'm so happy and I've learned a lot. I'm so proud of myself, it's an amazing journey, and I'm so happy to continue it."
Gabriel played 42 matches for Arsenal last season before a hamstring tear sustained in his side's 2-1 win over Fulham on 1 April cut short his campaign.
Gabriel, who scored five times last term, had to have surgery on the injury, but it is hoped that he will be ready for the new season.
Arsenal announced earlier this week that midfielder Jorginho and defender Kieran Tierney will leave the club when their deals expire at the end of the month.
Midfielder Thomas Partey's contract is also due to expire but talks over an extension are ongoing.
Meanwhile, Brazil were held to a goalless draw away to Ecuador in Carlo Ancelotti's first match in charge but the Italian still described his international debut as a manager as a "special" gift.
Clear-cut chances were limited during a lacklustre 90 minutes at Estadio Monumental with Brazil only able to manage two shots on target.
Ancelotti included a number of Premier League players in his first line-up with Alisson Becker, Bruno Guimaraes, Casemiro and Richarlison handed starts, but the 0-0 draw keeps Brazil in fourth spot in the South America World Cup qualification standings.
The veteran coach, who started his managerial career in 1995, told CBF.com: "I was on the bench for more than 1,800 matches and this one was special. I think I can make an assessment of this first period; I was happy with the reception. I feel delighted to work with the CBF and, for me, it is a gift to be here."
The former Real Madrid boss, who has won five Champions League titles, acknowledged Brazil could improve with the ball ahead of his home debut with Paraguay in Sao Paulo on Tuesday, with Barcelona attacker Raphinha set to return after suspension.
"It was a very good match defensively," Ancelotti reflected. "I saw the team playing better with the ball, with a slightly more fluid game. It was a good draw and we left satisfied, with confidence for the next game.
"We have very good quality players. There is not much time to work, but there is the possibility of improvement because we have quality.
"I am sure that we will improve in attack. Today we were missing an important player (in) Raphinha.