Porto defender Chiviol accepted an interview with TVP SPORT and talked about leaving Arsenal, his years in London and other topics.

——It has been more than a month since you joined Porto. How did you come to Portugal? The transfer negotiations with Arsenal have been going on for a long time. Have you ever worried about being unable to leave the team?

I did have such an idea, but in the end everything went smoothly. My performance at Arsenal last season was not bad. In the spring, I entered the main lineup and played as a central defender in the next 8 games, replacing the injured Gabriel. But the situation was not good before that. From December 2024 to March 2025, I never played a single game in the Premier League and was on the bench for 14 consecutive games. So I decided to find a club where I could play regularly rather than just occasionally.

I stayed at Arsenal for two and a half years. I joined Arsenal in early 2023 and made a total of 68 appearances. Although I was the substitute most of the time, I didn't complain. Every season has its ups and downs, and sometimes I didn't perform as well as I expected. But overall, the experience was positive for me.

——In the past two or three transfer windows, there has been news that you are leaving Arsenal. Do you feel that you are not valued at Arsenal?

I laughed when I saw these reports, because the truth is exactly the opposite. Arsenal was unwilling to let me leave the team and did not agree to the transfer for a long time. The club recognized my attitude and ability and no one wanted me to leave. This transfer to Porto was not confirmed until the last moment. Arteta didn't want me to leave, so I never felt left out or disliked, not even for a second. Leaving Arsenal was a completely personal decision for me. I wanted to play more and become a regular player, but with Saliba and Gabriel here, I didn’t have many opportunities.

——What convinced Arteta to agree to the transfer at the last moment?

I convinced him. I went straight to him and told him how I felt about my situation and he completely understood my ambition and desire to play. In the end, he accepted my idea of ​​transferring in order to thank me for my persona and professional attitude while working together. Then after talking with the director, things moved forward smoothly. Arteta has always recognized me and has never let me down.

- What is your best memory at Arsenal?

The experience of playing in the Champions League, especially last season. We beat Real Madrid over two legs in the quarter-finals, although we later lost to PSG in the semi-finals. We also won the Community Shield even though I didn't play. If you want to choose a most special moment, it would be the 3-0 Real Madrid at home.

——From Arsenal's substitute to Porto's main player, from the Premier League to the Portuguese Super League, is this transition difficult?

I don’t feel like my career has regressed. Porto and Arsenal are very similar, both are great clubs with great ambitions, passionate fans, beautiful stadiums and a rich history. Knowing this, leaving London is not difficult.

——There is still the temptation of sunshine, right?

It does rain all the time in London, but it's warmer in Portugal. I also want to move to a place with a more comfortable climate for the sake of my wife and pets. Now we have more time to go outdoors and to the beach, but so far I have only soaked my feet in the beach, the water is very cold, but I think I will go diving sooner or later.

——Who convinced you to choose Porto?

is Porto itself. They showed a lot of sincerity and contacted me almost every day during that period. They really tried their best and did not give up even though they were rejected by Arsenal many times. When I saw how determined they were, I knew this was a club worth trusting. I actually received many offers, but in the end I chose Porto. When I learned that Bednarek (both of whom are friends with the national team) was also joining, I thought: "It would be great if it happens." Now it seems that it is indeed the case.

——What is the biggest difference between Arsenal and Porto?

First of all, the weather (laughs). Honestly, the Premier League is the best league in the world, facing top players every week and playing in the best stadiums. The competitive structure of the Portuguese Super League is different, and some stadiums are not as grand. Therefore, it is a little more difficult to mobilize enthusiasm. Sometimes you need some self-motivation and concentration before the game. In addition, the atmosphere of the game is also slightly different.