Arthur: "Neymar told me to sign for Barcelona"

Arthur Melo's face doesn't lie. A large smile, relaxed posture and happy to talk about his first days at Barcelona. He's only just landed but is already meeting expectations. His high level of technical ability, he's constantly on the ball, and has slotted in with ease alongside his new teammates. Everything has been ideal and it feels like he is at the bottom of the ramp ahead of what will prove to be a great adventure at Barça. Arthur, friendly and sincere, explained his first impressions to SPORT.

How have your first few days at Barcelona been alongside your new teammates?

Everything has been great. The structure of the club is something I admire. Everybody is at such a high level and they've been very welcoming to me.

Is the training here different to what you were used to at Gremio?

The training sessions are quicker here. On the pitch, the ball goes much quicker, everything is more fluid. 

And you've got to know the 'rondos' at Barça.

Yes, the ball travels so quickly. The short, wet grass helps that. The ball is always moving. That's something I like and I'm adapting well to this way of training.

Do you like the new methodology or is it proving difficult to adapt to?

I'm enjoying it a lot. One of the things which attracted me to Barcelona was their style of play, it's really fantastic.

Have you spoken to Ernesto Valverde yet?

I've spoken to the coach and he gave me a lot of confidence, which is important to my adaptation. He spoke to me about the tactics and how things work here.

Did he tell you where you'd play?

I can play as the pivot or as the second pivote. Any position in central midfield is good for me. It isn't really a problem if I'm a little further forward or playing more defensively.

"I spoke with Valverde and one option is playing in a double pivot with Busquets"

Could you play alongside Sergio Busquets in a double pivot?

Yes, one option is to play next to Busquets. I'll adjust to all the positions they tell me to.

What are your first impressions of the coach?

He's very intelligent. His attention to detail is incredible. He's always there to correct any mistakes and has all the qualities you need to be a coach.

Is it important that a coach is so hands on?

It's very important. I'm adapting to the style of play and the way the team works. The coach is by my side to explain things and that builds up a lot of trust.

Has any teammate surprised you, or is there anyone you are a little closer to?

I talk with everyone but the Brazilians, because of the language, understand me better. I'm with Douglas, Marlon or Rafinha. They are helping me adapt.

To have only been in Barcelona for a few days you understand Spanish quite well...

In Brazil I had a (Spanish) teacher. I understand a bit of Spanish but speaking is more difficult. I hope to be able to speak Spanish well soon.

Which style adapts better to your characteristics?

I enjoy how Barcelona play with the ball at their feet. At times the team needs you to control the play, other times to speed up the tempo, but the idea is to dominate and control the match.

"I'll do everything possible to win the Champions League with Barça."

Did you watch Barça matches when you were in Brazil?

I started watching Barcelona matches during the Ronaldinho era. After that other Brazilian stars came to the club. They've been great players. I like Barcelona because of their stars and the style of football they produce.

Have you noticed the need for Barcelona to win the Champions League? Following Real Madrid's recent victories in the competition, is that the main objective at the club?

One of the reasons I signed for Barcelona was because they are always battling for the most important trophies and it won't be any different now that I'm here. My dream is to win the Champions League and I'll do everything possible to make that happen.

You met Coutinho when you last joined up with Brazil back in October. Did you speak to him about maybe meeting up one day at Barcelona?

Yes, we spoke on the day of my presentation here too. He sent me a kind message. He told me he has adapted well to life at Barcelona and would help me to do the same. He's a great friend and a great player.

Do you think you and Coutinho would be compatible together on the pitch?

He's a great player who likes to play it short. He has a fantastic way of playing and I'm sure we could do a lot of good things together on the pitch.

Is it a dream of yours to play alongside Lionel Messi?

It's a privilege to play alongside him. At Barcelona there are some great players and I'm lucky to play with Messi.

"Neymar told me Barça was a marvellous club and that the people are very welcoming"

Did Neymar give you any advice encouraging you to sign for Barcelona? 

Yes, when I was deciding whether to come or not, he sent me a message telling me about all the positive things at Barcelona. He spoke about how it was a marvellous club, with very welcoming people, a great city. Lots of good things.

Now Iniesta has left, would you like to inherit the number 8 shirt? 

I'm not really interested in shirt numbers. My objective is to represent Barcelona's badge. To have the number 8 shirt or another number isn't important to me, what's important is the badge.

So you haven't thought about the shirt number you'd like at Barcelona?

No, I haven't thought about it. The most important is thing is the badge and being out on the pitch. I'll let the club decide my number.