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ESPN staff 7y

Lacazette reveals that countryman Henry inspired 'dream' Arsenal move

New Arsenal signing Alexandre Lacazette has said that Thierry Henry was a major part of the inspiration for his "dream" move to the Emirates.

Lacazette, 26, completed a reported €53 million move -- which would be a Gunners club record -- on Wednesday, and afterward he told the club's website that the history of French footballers at Arsenal was one of the main reasons he wanted to play for the team.

"I am, of course. delighted and very proud too because Arsenal is a legendary club," Lacazette said.

"Throughout my childhood, thanks to Thierry Henry and other French players, I always dreamed of playing for this club so that dream has been fulfilled.

"[I like] Arsenal's past -- I like clubs with a history. Also the fact that the manager has been here for a while shows it is a stable club, which I like.

"In addition, there are quite a few French players here, which makes it easier to settle in.

"In my opinion, Arsenal is also the club that plays the best football in England so I really wanted to play here."

The former Lyon player was prolific in Ligue 1 last season as his the team finished fourth in the French top flight and made it to the semifinals of the Europa League, due in no small part to Lacazette's 37 goals in 45 matches across all competitions.

However, the 11 times-capped France international says his game isn't just about scoring goals and feels there are other aspects of his play that can help spur Arsenal on to more titles.

"When I play I like to use my pace to link up with my teammates. As a forward, I like to score goals of course, but that not all that I'm about," Lacazette said.

"Every time I take a shot at goal it's because I believe I can score. I don't just shoot for the sake of it.

"I also try to keep as calm as possible. All that is achieved by a lot of hard work in training.

"I want to give 100 percent in every match. I want to show I'm worthy of the shirt. I want to do everything I can to make sure we win titles."

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