Cédric Soares, who recently announced his departure from Arsenal, took some time to reflect on the team’s 2023/24 season and his four and a half years as a Gunner. In an exclusive conversation with Pedro Pinto on the 1 PARA 1 Podcast, Cédric expressed his satisfaction with the team’s progress.
“I think we had an excellent season. We worked hard and improved in areas that were lacking last year. The team is more mature now, and the players have gained valuable experience,” Cédric said.
He also highlighted the strong connection between Arsenal and its fans, stating that playing for such a big club in England is a fascinating and incredible feeling. Cédric praised the growth of young players like Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli, emphasizing their quality and development throughout the season. He also mentioned Gabriel Magalhães and Martin Ødegaard as players who have evolved and become more consistent.
Having played 167 games in the Premier League, Cédric believes that it is the most competitive league he has participated in. He appreciates the unpredictability of the league, where any team can beat another at any given moment.
When asked about the toughest opponents he has faced, Cédric mentioned Leroy Sané and Eden Hazard. He admitted that Sané was a player he didn’t enjoy playing against, but also acknowledged his own good performances against him. Hazard, in his prime years, impressed Cédric with his phenomenal quality and decision-making.
As a student of the game, Cédric revealed that he often uses Cristiano Ronaldo and Bernardo Silva as examples to inspire his teammates. He admires Ronaldo’s completeness as a player and advises his teammates to study his attacking prowess. He also praises Bernardo Silva for adapting his characteristics to the Premier League and thinking ahead of others.
Looking ahead to EURO 2024, Cédric believes that Portugal has one of the best individual squads but enjoys being underrated. He sees this underdog label as an advantage, just like in their Euro 2016 triumph. Cédric is confident that Portugal can have a successful tournament.
At 32 years old, Cédric is focused on finding the right team to continue his career. He wants to keep playing for many more years and is currently analyzing his options for the next season.
The 1 PARA 1 Podcast, presented by Pedro Pinto and powered by Betway, is available on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts. More episodes featuring great Portuguese sporting personalities will be released soon.
