Fabio Vieira believes his best form is still ahead of him as the Arsenal loanee continues to build momentum in Germany.
Fabio Vieira believes there is more to come from him as he continues his loan spell away from Arsenal, insisting he is improving but not yet satisfied with his output.
The 25-year-old midfielder, on loan at Hamburger SV until the end of the season, has grown in influence in recent weeks. With two goals and four assists in the Bundesliga and six starts in the past seven matches, he has become a regular presence in the side.
“I’m a player who likes to have the ball, create something, who likes to drop himself to build up the game. I know that these are my biggest strengths, and I feel the responsibility to implement them,” he said.
Vieira added: “I feel more and more confident and productive and I can offer the team more. I know that I can do a lot of positive things for HSV here. Fortunately, I’m getting better and better at it lately.”
Despite that upward curve, he is clear that his current numbers are not enough. “I can be even better. I am not satisfied with my numbers yet.”
His technical quality has been recognised internally, with team mates labelling him a “magician” on a dressing room note chosen by the squad themselves.
Vieira is unmoved by the tag. “I don’t feel like a magician at all. But it’s nice that my teammates like and appreciate my way. And that I can be important.”
The Portuguese midfielder has also spoken positively about the Bundesliga. “I really like this league and I was very pleasantly surprised. There are a lot of goals, the games are very competitive,” he said, highlighting the open nature of matches and the space available.
His longer term future remains unresolved.
Vieira is under contract with Arsenal until 2027 and his loan includes a purchase option of around 20 million euros, a figure that would represent a record outlay for HSV.
According to reports in Germany, there has been no recent contact with Arsenal regarding a permanent deal, though discussions are expected to take place in the coming weeks.
“For me, the league is a new experience, which is very positive for me,” Vieira said. “I still have no idea what will happen at the end of the season. My focus is on the HSV. But basically I have a contract with Arsenal until 2027, I will respect that,” Vieira said.
He added: “Staying in Hamburg is one of the options. You also have a purchase option. If the club were to move them, it still applies that I like it here in Hamburg and in the Bundesliga. But these are things I can’t control. We’ll see what happens in the summer.”