JAKARTA - Former Persija Jakarta attacking midfielder, Gustavo Franca, was finally officially announced as Arema FC's new player on Tuesday, January 20, 2026. Franca also revealed the reason why he was willing to accept the Singo Edan offer.
Gustavo Franca admitted that he didn't think twice when Arema FC offered him an offer. The large fan base and the team's travel record were the reasons why the player accepted this team's proposal.
"I know about Arema fans and how fanatic they are. They are always there to motivate the team. I already knew Aremania when I was still at Persija."
"There are many Aremania who come and it's amazing. I already know this team. I also searched on the internet how the Arema team and the Aremania team are," said Franca as quoted from the club's official website, Wednesday, January 21, 2026.
Gustavo revealed that he already knew how the Kanjuruhan Tragedy shook Aremania. Therefore, he wanted to come to give them happiness.
"I came here to work so that I can make Aremania happy again and make Aremania back to the stadium," he said.
After officially being introduced as part of the team, Gustavo immediately tried out training with Arema FC and admitted that he immediately fit into the team's atmosphere because almost all foreign players are from Brazil. This situation is a positive signal for the player to build closeness with his teammates.
"I think almost everyone here I already know when Persija meets Arema. So, I know them a little from there. I used to play against Gabriel (Silva) in Brazil, he played for Flamengo and I was at Corinthians," he said.
He emphasized that he came to Arema FC to work hard to raise the team's performance. With the many players who are already known, he believes that the burden will be lighter. He admitted that he was ready to be dismissed whenever Marcos Santos.
"I intend to help Arema, give assists, score goals, run for my teammates and give my best so that Arema is above again," he said.
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