Arsenal's new signing Eduardo da Silva has told the
website that he hopes to break out of the shadow of Thierry Henry
and make his own mark in North London.
The Brazilian-born Croatian international completed his move to
Emirates Stadium on Tuesday after The Gunners agreed an undisclosed
fee with his former club Dinamo Zagreb.
A huge burden of expectation has fallen on Eduardo's shoulders
given that he is the first striker Arsenal have signed since
selling captain and all-time record goalscorer Thierry Henry to
Barcelona.
However, the 24-year-old wants to create his own legacy in North
London after taking the number nine shirt at Arsene Wenger's
side.
"He [Henry] is, in my opinion, one of the best strikers in the
world, but I have my own path and I will try very, very hard from
the first day on to fight for my place in the team and leave a mark
of my own on Arsenal," Eduardo told the website.
Whilst Arsenal were linked with players such as Samuel Eto'o and
Carlos Tevez after Henry's departure, Wenger again surprised
observers by swooping for the relatively obscure Eduardo in a deal
reported to be around £8million.
The striker - who moved to Croatia from Rio de Janeiro at the age
of 15 - is now hoping to repay the faith of the French boss by
helping to aid his philosophy of youthful, attacking
football.
"It was very important for me," Eduardo added, when asked what role
Wenger played in his decision to join the club.
"For what I have heard and seen Mr Wenger gives the opportunity to
young players and plays attractive football and I find myself in
that scheme.
"I hope to have his confidence."
Meanwhile, Arsenal have officially confirmed the signing of
Norwegian youngster Havard Nordveit, who joined the club from FK
Haugesund in June.
