Martinelli, however, added that it was his parents who inspired him when he was young because they were always there for him
By Kehinde Okeowo
Arsenal winger, Gabriel Martinelli has said Portuguese captain and former Real Madrid striker, Cristiano Ronaldo, was his ‘football idol’ while growing up in Brazil.
According to the 21-year-old, he used to watch the ex-Manchester United striker a lot as a teenager, while he was trying to learn about football.
The Brazil international, however, added that it was his parents who inspired him when he was young because they were always there for him.
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Speaking to the club’s media, the Brazilian said: “If you were talking about footballers, the person I looked up to was always Cristiano Ronaldo. I used to watch him a lot when I was growing up, I loved his style, but in life, my main inspirations for sure are my parents.
“Back when I was young and still now, they’re always there for me.”
Martinelli has established himself as one of the top young attackers in the Premier League this season, scoring 15 goals and registering six assists in all competitions for the Gunners as they try to claim their first league title in 19 years.