Arsenal star hails Cristiano Ronaldo as football idol

Tom Hancock

• 10 May 2023 19:14 BST
• 3 min read

Arsenal star Gabriel Martinelli has revealed how he idolised Cristiano Ronaldo as a child, naming the Man Utd legend as the player he most ‘looked up to’.

Martinelli has been one of the Gunners’ standout performers this season – and while Mikel Arteta’s side look set to miss out on the Premier League title to Manchester City, the Brazilian has now well and truly established himself as one of the finest wingers in England’s top flight.

And the 21-year-old recently took time to reflect on the path he’s been on to this point in his career.

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Speaking to Arsenal’s official website, Martinelli said of his youth: “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.”

Martinelli is quick to note an even bigger influence on his footballing journey, though – well, two influences.

“I loved [Ronaldo’s] style, but in my life, my main inspirations for sure are my parents,” he continued. “Back when I was young and still now, they are always there for me. They have helped me in so many ways. From day one, they have always been with me; supporting me; giving me advice and trying to help me.”

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An integral offensive weapon

Along with captain Martin Odegaard, Martinelli is Arsenal’s joint top scorer this season with 15 goals – all of which have come in the Premier League.

More or less an ever-present this term, he’s started 33 of the Gunners’ 35 league games – and come off the bench in the other two.

In addition to his 15 goals, Martinelli has provided six assists in all competitions – five of them in the league.