Arsenal forward Gabriel Martinelli has revealed that Manchester United's Cristiano Ronaldo was his idol growing up as he prepares for a huge clash with Tottenham on Thursday night. The North London Derby could well decide which of the rivals makes it into next season's Champions League.
Both Mikel Arteta and Antonio Conte are looking to get their sides back into Europe's elite competition for the first time in years and as things stand the Gunners boast a slender advantage. But a win for Spurs on Thursday night would see them leapfrog their arch rivals into fourth ahead of the final games of the season.
One player who could well be key for Arsenal is Martinelli. The Brazilian has become an integral part of Arteta's side this season scoring five goals and providing five assists in the Premier League. His manager has made no secret of his admiration for the 20-year-old either.
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“He’s shown big signs of where he’s moving. His contribution all-round in his game has been exceptional," Arteta told a press conference back in March ahead of a clash with Leicester. "He certainly has the capacity to score goals and be a threat. His contribution and all-round game has been exceptional.”
Arteta is spoilt for choice in attacking areas, with Emile Smith Rowe, Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka also jostling for game time. But Martinelli will be determined to start in the Gunners' biggest Premier League game in years. In the build up to the clash the forward revealed that his idol growing up also had a similar mindset.
“Cristiano Ronaldo," he said when asked the question by Premier League Productions. "Everything about him, his mentality, he's always working hard to win the games, to score and help the team. He's been at the top you know for ten, fifteen years. It's not easy.”
