Brazilian wonderkid Gabriel Martinelli has been living the dream at Arsenal. In his first start for the club last night, the striker scored two goals in the 5-0 over Nottingham Forest.
One of his goals was a beauty, and that’s what caught attention from his home country’s press, with stories about him everywhere.
A couple of local outlets bring quotes from the player today, and it’s really Globo Esporte who has the nicest interview.
First speaking of last night’s League Cup clash, Martinelli told the website: “It is a unique feeling. I have been constantly going to the bench in the Premier League and knew that the chance to play could appear in the cups. I train very hard, with a lot of dedication and commitment, so when chances appear like today, I grab it with all the strength and know how to take advantage.”
On his arrival at the club, the 18-year-old revealed the first words he had with one of Arsenal’s stars.
“It hadn’t sunk in yet. I arrived for lunch on the first day, I’m eating there, Aubameyang arrives and sits next to me, speaking Portuguese with me, ‘Tudo bem?’, trying to communicate.
“You see, the guy so good, humble. I was: ‘Man, Aubameyang, who I saw on TV, came to talk to me!’
“He’s also a guy who gave me a lot of support at the club, trying to communicate with me. I have to thank everyone at the club. They’re very nice people.”
Martinelli also explained that David Luiz has been a very important player in his adaptation to London.
“It was exceptional for me for David Luiz to come to the group, because he’s Brazilian and helps me in everything in communication with fitness coach, or something I have to do. If I have questions I ask him how he speaks. Sometimes I ask how he speaks so he doesn’t have to ask for me, so I can learn too, and he does help me.”
On his start at Arsenal, Martinelli said he now hopes to get more minutes for the club: “I expected to be at this rhythm, fighting for a place, going to games. I know it’s hard for an 18-year-old to come to such a hot club with great players, but I think I’m doing well. And I’m working hard so I can go to more games.”
