Arsenal star names his biggest footballing idol.
While the 21-year-old winger confesses he was’scared’ to leave Brazil for a trial with Manchester United when he was a teenager.
Gabriel Martinelli, an Arsenal forward, cites Cristiano Ronaldo as his boyhood football hero.
Martinelli has been a vital contributor for the Gunners this season, scoring 15 goals in 35 league matches as they continue their pursuit of their first championship since 2004.
He has now disclosed that he had a childhood crush on a legend from one of Arsenal’s most formidable rivals.
The 21-year-old told the club’s website, “If we’re talking about footballers, Cristiano Ronaldo has always been my idol.” I used to observe him frequently as a child.
The legendary Portuguese forward scored 145 goals over two stints at Old Trafford, but left under a cloud last November when he left for Saudi side Al-Nassr following a controversial interview in which he criticized the club.
Martinelli was quick to point out that he had other inspirations outside of soccer, as he continued: ‘I admired [Ronaldo’s] style, but my parents are without a doubt my greatest inspirations in life.
“When I was small, and even now, they have always been there for me. They have helped me in so many ways; from the beginning, they have always been there for me, providing support, counsel, and assistance.My father participated in some football when he was younger. He was not a professional, but he enjoyed the sport for recreation. I believe my father always desired to have a son who could play professional football.
“When I first started playing football, my mother encouraged me from day one.” They did everything they could to assist me in achieving my objectives and becoming a football player.
As an adolescent, the Arsenal winger nearly followed in the footsteps of his idol by trying out for the Red Devils, but he now admits he was intimidated by the experience.
“I believe I was around 13 or 14 when I first visited Manchester,” he added. “I don’t recall the specifics, but I was still young and unknown.”
Being away from home was an unfamiliar experience for me. I didn’t like it at first. I desired to be at home, but I accompanied my father to these places despite my apprehension. ‘A different country, a different language that I didn’t speak, therefore it was difficult for me.’
After an impressive victory at Newcastle, Arsenal are now only one point behind leaders Man City, despite a recent slump that saw them lose their grasp on the title race after collecting three points in four games.
City has a game in hand, but their next opponent is Everton, who defeated Brighton 5-1 in their most recent match.
On Sunday, the Gunners return to action when they host the Seagulls at the Emirates.
Arsenal star names his biggest footballing idol.