Pablo Mari admits he initially joined Arsenal "burned out" in January.

Mari arrived at Arsenal on loan in January from Brazilian club Flamengo. This followed his loan spell at Deportivo La Coruna from Manchester City last season was followed by a summer move to Flamengo, which, given the Brazilian league runs April to December, meant the defender had no time off for 18 months.

“I was on holiday and I was a little bit tired," Mari told the London Evening Standard when discussing his move to Arsenal in January.

“I played one year and a half continuously, more or less 60 games. So for me it was a little bit hard when I went on holiday and then I came back a little bit not fit really.

“With the other guys and staff we did really well and I think now I am really fit to play a lot of games."

He added: “I don't want to look back, I want to look forward. Now I am in a really good club and I want to continue here for a lot of years."