Ronaldinho Compares Martinelli With Ronaldo

Gabriel Martinelli, Ronaldo

Brazil legend, Ronaldinho, has compared Arsenal striker, Gabriel Martinelli and his former team-mate, Ronaldo.

Martinelli, 18, made the leap from the bottom tier of Brazilian football to the Premier League last summer.

But the 18-year-old has already netted 10 goals in 21 appearances in all competitions for the Gunners.

“We as Brazilians are very excited about him and his future. It is one thing to have the talent – but another at the age of 18 to have the confidence,” Ronaldinho told the UK Mirror.

“He reminds me of Ronaldo his first season in Europe he scored 30 goals and people were thinking: ‘who is this 18 year old Brazilian kid?’

“He wanted the ball, he would run at players, there was no fear no matter what players or team he was playing against – and I see that similar attitude in Martinelli.

“He just wants to be on the ball and score goals. Ronaldo went on to be the best player in the world – and that can also be the aim of Martinelli.”

Ronaldinho also said Martinelli, who is yet to make his national debut, will be in coach Tite’s plans soon.

“I am sure that his first Brazil cap is very close – he is ready.

“Historically the national team has never been concerned with age. Ronaldo was playing for Brazil at 17 – and more recently Neymar and Jesus have played an important role when they were only teenagers.

“If you have the ability and the talent then you will get the chance – and the world can see that he (Martinelli) has the talent,” he added.