"English football is more difficult..." - Arsenal signing admits he's struggled as Man City comparison made

Arsenal midfielder Fabio Vieira has admitted he initially found it difficult to adapt to English football after joining the club last summer.

The 22-year-old playmaker signed for the Gunners from Porto for a fee of around £30 million, becoming Mikel Arteta's first summer signing.

He scored six goals and provided 14 assists in the Portuguese Primeira Liga last season, helping Sergio Conceicao's side to win the title and an overall domestic double.

But he hasn't yet been able to hit top form at Arsenal or get a regular run of games in the side, despite showing glimpses of his full quality. He has scored one goal and provided two assists in 17 Premier League appearances.

It is the Europa League where he has received more regular game time, and he has three goal contributions in just seven appearances in the competition.

And speaking ahead of the second leg of Arsenal's last 16 tie against Sporting Lisbon on Thursday, Vieira admitted he is now starting to enjoy life in English football after a tricky start.

Fabio Vieira on Arsenal

Speaking to Portuguese outlet O Jogo, he explained: "I got here injured. It's always different for a new player to get here, to a new country, a different culture, everything is different.

"It was difficult. But after a few months, I'm ready, I'm enjoying it. I've developed a lot and I'm here to help the team.

"When you get injured, you're always one step behind the others. I think it's only a matter of time, to be there, to help the team, to show my qualities. English football is more difficult for skinny players."

As a player, he went on to compare himself to Manchester City star Bernardo Silva: "Of course I admire him, he is an extraordinary player.

"I know him very well from Portugal, he has played before at Benfica. I think we are similar players with similar qualities, too."