Gabriel Martinelli admitted that his love of the club meant that he had no hesitation in signing a new contract.
The Brazilian attacker has put pen to paper on a deal at Emirates Stadium, extending this time with us which began in 2019 when he arrived as a promising 18-year-old from Ituano. Now he is one of the most exciting forwards in the Premier League, and has represented his country at a World Cup.
And that development has seen all parties agree to extend Gabi’s time in north London, and he couldn’t be happier.
“I feel amazing, I’m really happy in getting the new contract,” he said. “I want to do my best for the team and for the fans as well, to give back to them and make them proud.
“I’ve said it many times, I love everything about Arsenal. I love the city, I love my teammates, I love the fans, I love the club and I’m going to try my best for this football club.”
Gabi has come a long way since he first arrived in England three-and-a-half years ago, and he laughs when he reflects on how much things have changed since he first pitched up at London Colney.
“I remember I was so, so nervous and I couldn’t speak one word of English!” he chuckled. “It’s even worse because you couldn’t even talk to the guys and I remember that I didn’t understand anything the guys were saying to me.
“I remember when I got the shirt and I saw the badge, I was so proud and so happy. I still have that feeling when I wear it.”
With the ink now dry on his new contract, Gabi is now looking towards the future. Having created many memorable moments on the pitch in terms of goals and assists, he is hoping to go one step further and start collecting some silverware to truly solidify his place in Arsenal history.
“We need to win trophies,” he said when he outlined his aims for the next few years. “I think not just me but everyone in that dressing room wants to go to the games to win them, and for our fans.
“To them, I would just like to say thank you for all the support. They’ve been amazing with me this season. The atmosphere in the stadium this season has been unbelievable and I just want to say thank you. I will give 100 per cent every single day for this football club.”
Watch the full interview with Gabi by pressing play on the video above
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