From childhood to Arsenal captaincy: Thomas Vermaelen, Robin van Persie and Mikel Arteta
Arsenal midfielder, Mikel Arteta on his Q&A session during the Arsenal’s Twitter Takeover (March 14, 2012)
Arsenal Q&A
Tomas Rosicky
Q: What’s your favorite animal and is it fluffy?
A: My parents had a dog so it is probably my favourite.
Q: Who’s the best player you’ve ever played AGAINST?
A: Probably Zidane, I always admired him.
Q: What superhero power would you like to have?
A: Probably Superman’s because he could fly as well! I would like to try that.
Q: Is it true that Tomas is a big fan of death metal? What’s his favourite band?
A: It’s not true! I like metal in general. But I am not just a metalhead - I like rock and classical stuff too.
Q: Who is the funniest in the team?
A: We don’t have one big clown, we have a few clowns. We have a good group and we have fun.
Q: Tomas… What’s your favourite ever Arsenal goal?
A: That would definitely be the one against Tottenham. It was great and not just my goal, the whole game was amazing.
Q: Are you afraid of the dark?
A: That’s a song by Iron Maiden. But I am not.
Q: Do you like pie?
A: I do like pie!
Q: Who do you look up to for inspiration at arsenal?
A: It’s a good question. Next!
Aaron Ramsey
Q: Aaron, what’s your favorite movie?
A: I like the Bourne films, I watch all of them.
Q: What is the one thing nobody knows about you, that you think is important?
A: Maybe that I was a half decent rugby player. There’s not many others.
Q: What would u be if you wasn’t a footballer?
A: Not sure, football was my target so I didn’t think about anything else. Something in sport for sure.
Q: Champions League or World Cup?
A: I think Wales hasn’t qualified for a long time, so that would be special to qualify. But I’d love the Champs League.
Q: Aaron, are you a fan of Welsh Cakes?
A: Yes, my mum used to cook some so I am a fan! They are really nice!
Q: Aaron do you have a favourite cheese if so what is it?
A: I am not a big cheese fan. I only like a bit of parmesan on my pasta.
Q: Ronaldo or Messi?
A: It has to be Messi, they are both great players but Messi is banging in the goals.
Q: Do you have any Pre-match rituals?
A: Not really. A few of the guys do, but I’m not one who needs to do that stuff.
Q: Can you give us an insight into what Wenger’s like in the dressing room at half time?
A: He always encourages his players, always believes in us to carry on or come back into the game. He’s positive.
Q: Whats is your greatest fear when on the pitch?
A: You don’t have many on the pitch. Obviously no one wants to get injured. You just want to enjoy yourself.
Mikel Arteta
Q: What’s your favourite goal ever at Arsenal?
A: My favourite goal is the one I scored at Blackburn. It was nicely finished.
Q: Have you ever pulled a prank on any of your teammates?
A: Yes. Many times, mostly with Andre Santos.
Q: (Not retweeted, but I assume it’s something about playing another sport aside from football)
A: That would be tennis, I was very good when I was young and I had to choose between that and football.
Q: What is your favorite stadium?
A: Now it is the Emirates, I love it. When i was younger, it was the Nou Camp.
Q: Mikel you’ve been at Arsenal nearly a season now, how does it compare to Everton?
A: It’s a different kind of club, Arsenal plays in big competitions and it’s great to be here.
Q: Mikel, what is your secret to having perfect hair?
A: Just look after yourself, and a strong gel!
Q: Mikel how could you be so good in passing?
A: I thought I was bad! It’s all about practice and having good players around you. They make you look good!
Q: Do you have a favourite tv show?
A: Entourage is one of them, it is quite funny. The InBetweeners is very funny, too.
Q: Mikel, do you feel you can still play for the Spanish national team one day?
A: That’s a tough question. I think it will be really hard, we have top quality players in midfield. It is my dream.
Q: Do you still catch up with Tim Cahill? Was great to see him as your best man at your wedding!
A: He is one of my best mates. He is always really supportive. I really respect and like him.
Q: Mikel, mixed emotions when you visit Everton next?
A: A lot. It is going to be strange to be in the other changing room. Hopefully I can concentrate on my job.
Lukasz Fabianski
Q: Chicken, beef, pork or lamb?
A: Beef! That’s my favourite, medium done.
Q: If you have the power to change the world, what would you do?
A: I would do something about climate change, and poverty and stuff like that. Something good.
Q: Lukasz, what is your secret to dance like that?
A: Just feeling the vibe, feeling the music. It goes through your body, your blood is pumping!
Q: What player did you look up to as a kid?
A: A goalkeeper from Italy, called Gianluca Pagliuca. He inspired me.
Q: Do you think Poland has a chance in EURO12?
A: Yes, if we win the first game then I think we have a chance to go to the next round. It will be difficult.
Q: What’s your most memorable game with the team?
A: It is probably against Liverpool at Anfield, when it was 4-4. It was a crazy game. It was one of my best games.
Q: I’m from California and it’s 4 am here. Would you like to come play a match for us over here?
A: Yes, why not? In the summer in pre-season, that would be something different. I have never been to the USA.
Q: What’s your favorite food and drink? Do you like Japanese food?;’)
A: I like Japanese food. I like sushi, and I also like Thai food. Japanese is one of my favourites.
Johan Djourou
Q: Who is the worst dancer in the dressing room?
A: I would say Jack Wilshere, but there are a few contenders!
Q: Johan, can you ever think about have a new style of your hair?
A; Sometimes it comes into my mind. I change it quite a bit, I’m waiting for the next.
Q: Do you think you’ll be a manager one day?
A: Good question! No, I don’t think so - I will focus on something else after my career.
Q: Where is your best holiday spot?
A: I went to the Seychelles and I really liked it. I like New York and Miami.
Q: Djourou - Who’s been the hardest striker you’ve had to mark and why?
A: Drogba. The guy has so much power, he is a handful. He is a top striker.
Q: What type of music you listen to? What is your favorite band?
A: I listen to a lot of hip-hop and RnB. I don’t have a favourite band, I like the latest stuff.
Q: Do you prefer Swiss cheese or Swiss army knives?
A: Ha ha! I would choose Swiss cheese!
Q: Do you (or other players) play video games? What games? :)
A: A lot of players do, I am playing FIFA Street it is a good game. You can do lots of tricks.
Q: What do you think about women football?
A: It’s good, now we can see that women are becoming more athletic and stronger in football. The Ladies are good.
Q: Djourou, do you take hair tips from Alex Song?
A: The question should be the other way around! He took tips off me!
Q: Djourou, how does it feel being a presenter of Arsenal’s Insider?
A: It’s something I really enjoy, and it’s good to catch up with the fans like that.
Thomas Vermaelen
Q: Thomas, Belgian chocolate or waffles?
A: I would go for chocolate even though I can’t eat it a lot.
Q: Thomas - Who’s the hardest striker you’ve had to face and how do you think you did against them?
A: Messi. He’s the best in the world and the result was not great, but it was a great experience.
Q: If you didnt make it as a footballer what was your backup career?
A: I don’t know. Early I made a decision to play football but if not I would go into the medical department.
Q: Verminator!!!! What was it like scoring the winning goal on Monday??
A: I think it was amazing. We fought really hard in that game and deserved to win it. It was a beautiful victory.
Q: Do you like being called ‘The Verminator’?
A: I think its a nice nickname. It’s quite funny. I quite happy with it.
Q: Do you keep your ketchup in the fridge or cupboard?
A: In the fridge because I want it nice and fresh!
Q: Thomas - bar you who of course ;-) who is the toughest guy in the squad?
A: Physically, I would say Song. He is very strong. He is very tough. I could easily beat him in a fight!
Q: Thomas, If there’s anything you love about England, what is it and why?
A: If you look at the fans what I really like is that they are loyal and respectful. If you lose they support you.
