The Football Faithful
·27 January 2020
The Football Faithful
·27 January 2020
Ronaldinho has discussed the emergence of Arsenal’s Gabriel Martinelli and why the teenager reminds him of Brazil legend, Ronaldo.
Martinelli moved to the Premier League from Brazilian side Ituano during the summer and has made an immediate impact in English football, scoring ten goals in all competitions including a stunning solo equaliser in Arsenal‘s 2-2 draw at Chelsea last week.
The 18-year-old’s performances have not gone unnoticed in his homeland with Brazil legend Ronaldinho now lavishing praise on the youngster, likening Martinelli’s fearlessness to that of his former international teammate, Ronaldo.
“We as Brazilians are very excited about him and his future. It is one thing to have the talent – but another at the age of 18 to have the confidence,” Ronaldinho told the Mirror.
“He reminds me of Ronaldo his first season in Europe he scored 30 goals and people were thinking: ‘Who is this 18 year old Brazilian kid?’
“He wanted the ball, he would run at players, there was no fear no matter what players or team he was playing against – and I see that similar attitude in Martinelli.
“He just wants to be on the ball and score goals. Ronaldo went on to be the best player in the world – and that can also be the aim of Martinelli.”