Interview

Martinelli on Ronaldinho, Ronaldo and comparisons

In January, Brazil icon Ronaldinho heaped praise on Gabriel Martinelli, saying he reminded him of his former international team-mate, Ronaldo.

Our young forward told Arsenal Digital exactly what it meant to him to be compared to a legend.

 

"When I heard that, I couldn't believe it," Martinelli said. "It's crazy because I was in Brazil until recently, playing in the Copa Sao Paulo, which is a prestigious youth-level competition, but it's nothing like the Premier League. 

 

"To get here and play in the Premier League for Arsenal, one of the best clubs in the world, and for one of the best Brazilian players of all time to speak so highly of me and compare me with one of the best forwards in football history, is something that seems hard to believe. 

 

"You think, 'Could he really be talking about me? Is it me?' To be honest, it still hasn't sunk in. That's the case for many things because they've happened so quickly in my life. As I said, I always try to keep my feet on the ground.

 

"I'm grateful to those who praise me and I always try to give my best to keep earning that praise, but, above all, it's about working hard and going for wins and success here at Arsenal."

See Full List

Fixtures & Results

Premier League
Ticket Info