‘They didn’t want to do anything with me’ – Arsenal rising star Gabriel Martinelli reveals Barcelona snub
Arsenal forward Gabriel Martinelli has revealed he was snubbed by Spanish giants Barcelona following a 15-day trial.
The Brazilian headed to Catalunya for a trial before signing for Arsenal but was left in the dark, hearing nothing back and receiving no offer.
Martinelli’s Barca snub: Five things to know…
- Gabriel Martinelli has been an excellent signing for Arsenal after joining in the summer.
- However, he was scouted by Barcelona prior to his move to London.
- He spent 15 days on trial with the Spanish club.
- Following his trial, Martinelli heard nothing.
- The Brazilian revealed Barca ‘didn’t want to do anything with me’.
Martinelli has made a bright start to his career with the Gunners, netting 10 times in 23 appearances across all competitions so far. He arrived last summer, making an immediate impact but attracted interest from Barcelona before completing a move to the Emirates.
He went for a two-week trial, but fortunately for Arsenal, nothing came of it.
“Shortly before the Sao Paulo Cup I spent a few days training in Barcelona. I spent 15 days there,” Martinelli told Marca.
“Barcelona invited me to train with them in La Masia but afterwards they didn’t want to do anything with me, they didn’t tell me anything … I went back to Ituano, I played Copinha and then I came to Arsenal.”
The Brazilian admitted he was very impressed with the set up in Catalunya, making friends with one of their rising stars.
“They were all very good, I took full advantage and gave my best,” he added.
“To see how they train, know the structure of the club, the city … it was a dream come true.
“I even trained with Ansu Fati and we became friends. He helped me a lot there and is now playing in the main team. He is a boy who deserves everything that is happening to him. He is super humble and welcomed me really well there.”
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‘He always wants more’ – Martinelli reveals his footballing idol
Gabriel Martinelli maybe a bright prospect who could develop into a world star in his own right, however, there is one player he has admired since childhood.
“My idol is Cristiano Ronaldo,” said the 18-year-old.
“I admire him very much for the strength of will he has, for the way he works and for everything … for the individual and collective awards he earns.
“He is a guy who does not conform, he always wants more. That is what I want for myself: to always be conquering things. He is a great example of that.”
