Gabriel Martinelli has spoken up about his brief stint with Barcelona’s academy prior to joining Arsenal, revealing a bond with Ansu Fati.
While still a youngster, the 21-year-old was rejected by both Manchester United and Barcelona before Arsenal signed him from Ituano for £6 million in 2019.
Their trust has since been repaid, with Martinelli becoming an important element of Mikel Arteta’s plans.
Gabriel Martinelli’s statement
Speaking recently with The Players’ Tribune, he said: “I went to La Masia in Barcelona. I practised with Ansu Fati when I went there. We became friends and I stayed there for 15 days.
“Then it didn’t work out either, they didn’t want me. But four or five months later Arsenal signed me.”
Martinelli’s Premier League stats this season
Martinelli has started every Premier League game this season, scoring five goals and contributing two assists to help Arsenal to the top of the table.
The Brazilian’s form has been so outstanding that he was chosen to participate in Qatar 2022, and he will try to return to England as a World Cup winner in late December.