‘Happy’ Sokratis Papastathopoulos signs ‘long-term’ contract with Arsenal

Arsenal unveiled their third signing of the summer transfer window in the shape of Greek defender Sokratis Papastathopoulos, who penned a ‘long-term’ contract with the north-Londoners on Monday afternoon after departing Bundesliga outfit Borussia Dortmund for a supposed £17m.

The 30-year-old centre-half, formally of  SV Werder Bremen, AC Milan, Genoa and AEK Athens amongst others, claimed two Bundesliga titles and one German Cup during his 5-year spell at the Signal Iduna Park, and will presumably be ready to hit the ground running at the Gunners under Unai Emery’s command.

It’s also been announced that ‘Papa’, as he’s endearingly known, will don the No.5 shirt for his new employers next term, following in the footsteps of Martin Keown and Kolo Toure, who also sported the same squad number during their respective stints at the club.

A trusted and valued individual in his national set-up, having gained 79 senior caps to date for the Galanolefki, Sokratis will instil a measured dose of experience to Arsenal’s defensive ranks, whilst heightening the standards and expectations of those around him on the turf.

Speaking to the club’s official website, Sokratis admitted that joining his new Premier League employers was a ‘beautiful’ moment, and that he’s ready to help the club’s cause for supremacy over the coming seasons.

“I feel very good. It’s my first day here, everything is special. It’s a beautiful moment and I’m very happy that I will be here for the next years.” He said.

“Arsenal is one of the three biggest teams in the Premier League and one very big club. It has a lot of fans and a very big history. Like I said before, I’m very happy that for the next years I will be here to help the team.”