Arsenal legend Robert Pires heaped massive praise on Gabriel Martinelli, with the former French player claiming the Brazilian winger reminds him of his glory days on the pitch in London. “Gabriel Martinelli looks like me. He looks a lot like me because he’s a dribbler, he scores goals, and he is quick,” Pires told Media Carre, as translated by The Mirror.
“He makes good calls, he plays simply when it’s necessary to play simply, and he goes for the challenge when the challenge presents itself,” he added. “When he sees that he is one on one he plays for the team and that’s why I really like him. I know him a little bit, he’s educated, and he’s doing well at Arsenal, that’s for sure.”
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Pires left an indelible mark in his six seasons with the Gunners, recording an impressive 85 goals in 284 games in all tournaments. On top of that, the former winger celebrated two Premier Leagues and two FA Cup titles with the English giants, being part of the iconic Invincibles team in the 2003-04 season.
In this together ❤️ pic.twitter.com/xnC8iPrrji
— Gabriel Martinelli (@gabimartinelli) February 24, 2024
Martinelli, 22, is making a name for himself at the Emirates Stadium as he emerged as one of Arsenal’s most promising players looking into the future. The Ituano product arrived in north London in 2019 as a long-term project and went on to establish himself in the first team since Mikel Arteta took over in December that year.
He’s already won an FA Cup and a Community Shield in England, with 41 goals and 24 assists in 164 appearances across all competitions with the Gunners. Only time will tell whether Martinelli can get closer to Pires’ honors and stats in an Arsenal uniform.
