Gabriel Martinelli reveals he looked up to Cristiano Ronaldo

The Brazilian remembers his admiration for the Portuguese star
by
Josué Seixas
2023-05-12 14:08:46

Gabriel Martinelli has been one of Arsenal’s top projects for years. He arrived in north London aged just 18 in 2019 from Brazilian side Ituano as an investment for the future. His development has been faster than expected, and he is now a key part of Mikel Arteta’s squad.

His potential is still indecipherable, which raises disproportionate expectations around him. However, Martinelli can already see the growth he has seen in England and remembers those who inspired him to reach this level.

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Gabriel Martinelli mentions Cristiano Ronaldo as his childhood hero

“If we talk about footballers, the person I have always looked up to is Cristiano Ronaldo. I watched him a lot growing up, I loved his style,” Martinelli said in an interview with the club’s official website. However, his main models come from his own house.

“But in life, my main sources of inspiration are undoubtedly my parents. When I was a child and even today, they are always present. They have helped me in so many ways, from day one they have always been there for me, supporting me, giving me advice and trying to help me,” the striker added.

Martinelli has already scored more than 30 goals in the jersey of Arsenal, one of the most prestigious clubs in the world. His progress did not go unnoticed in Brazil, where he had the opportunity to play with the national team and was even part of the last World Cup. At only 21 years old, this young man seems to have an even brighter future ahead of him.