Vieira gives insight into his choice to rejoin childhood team Porto

Viera, who completed a £34M transfer to the Emirates Stadium in the summer of 2022, has faced challenges breaking into Mikel Arteta's starting lineup. Injuries and limited playing time have hindered his progress, often relegating him to the bench or the medical room since his arrival.

The 24-year-old spoke to Portuguese sports paper O Jogo about his push to return to Porto on a season long loan. 

“The idea of returning came from me. I love this club and I’m going to give everything on the pitch. 

“I’m happy, obviously, it’s my home. I’m looking forward to being at the stadium, playing in front of these fans and doing the best I can for this club this season. 

“It was a chance that, above all, came to me because it was something I already wanted: to play. I had a difficult time in England, an operation, and at this moment I felt that FC Porto was a good opportunity to continue growing and developing. 

“I felt that this was the right place to do it this season.” 

He spoke about the similarities of both clubs and how Arsenal’s style matches Porto’s which can help him develop as a player. 

“I have more responsibilities,” he added of his time in north London. “I can say I’m a different man. 

“Obviously they played in a different style than we play here, but both there and here there are two teams that always have control of the ball, most of the time they are in possession of the ball, in offensive processes, but we also have the defensive process, both are very important in football.”