Speaking exclusively to Bundesliga.com , Hamburg's Fábio Vieira discussed a vast array of topics from his decision to join the Red Shorts on a permanent basis, the contract extension of Merlin Polzin and dealing with pressure as one of the club's key players.
After scoring seven goals and providing five assists across 29 Bundesliga games in 2025/26, and lengthy negotiations, HSV finally reached a €9m agreement with Arsenal to sign Vieira.
"The Bundesliga is really nice, it's very competitive and there's a lot of space to keep growing and developing," said Vieira, when asked what convinced him to join the northern club permanently. "It's the right place for me as well because I want to keep playing football. I want to do what I love the most, which is playing football, and I feel very comfortable here. When people like you, it's much easier."
The 26-year-old has a special bond with HSV, perhaps one that he didn't feel during his spell at Arsenal. "What I experienced here was amazing," he explained.
"All my family enjoyed it, too. It's a really nice city and a really nice club.
"All the people around the city, and the fans are good people – they are always supporting us. It doesn't matter if we win or lose, they're always there for us. When you have a club and fans that love you, you feel much happier to join a club like this."
Hamburg's midfield maestro has scored seven goals and created a further six in 34 games across all competitions under Merlin Polzin, who recently signed a long-term contract extension.
"I think it was important [that HSV extended his contract]," enthused Vieira. "Merlin is a great man, and a great coach as well. I'm very happy that he's renewed his contract. Everyone knows him, everyone knows the way he works, and the staff as well. Everyone is happy with him here."
Coming from Porto and Arsenal, Vieira naturally arrived at HSV with an added expectation to perform, but he doesn't feel any pressure.
"I'm being honest, I don't feel any pressure because I do what I love, which is playing football," he explained. "When you're happy, when you feel comfortable at a club and when you play football where you want to play football, everything is easier for you."
After three successive defeats to begin their Bundesliga campaign with a goal difference of 0-12, HSV secured their maiden win of 2026/27 with a 2-1 victory over Cologne prior to the international break. The Red Shorts will be looking to make it back-to-back victories when they travel to Hoffenheim this weekend.
GGFN | Daniel Pinder
