Arsenal star Gabriel Martinelli once scored nine goals in the first half of a match – before leaving to go and play for another team.
The Brazilian is the Gunners’ man of the moment following his late, heavily deflected strike which defeated Premier League champions Manchester City. It was a stunning way for the second half substitute to mark his return to action after missing five games through injury.
The 22-year-old appears to have football world at his feet. His journey began back in his homeland, where his immense talent was spotted at a young age. As a result, he ended up representing various junior sides at the same time.
READ MORE: 'I've never ever been man-marked like I was man-marked by Arsenal legend Tony Adams'
READ MORE: Howard Webb admits 'extremely fortunate' Kovacic could have been sent off twice
On one occasion he was playing for a soccer school with links to Sao Paulo FC. He was only available for the first half as he needed to head off and play for a Corinthians youth side.
“Even in the under-nines, you could see that Gabriel was on another level,” Leandro Germano, one of his childhood coaches, told The Athletic. “He scored nine times, then left. That made a real impression on everyone. He was out of this world.”
Can Arsenal win the league this season? Tell us in the comments section below
On how Martinelli’s style of play has developed, Germano added: “He was always a dribbler. He liked to go at his man, one on one, but he wasn’t the kind of player who dribbled for the sake of it.
“Only if it allowed him to get a shot off. He loved scoring goals. It didn’t matter how the ball went in, as long as he scored.”
As well as the Champions League, TNT Sports will also be offering sports fans access to games across the Premier League, Europa League, Serie A and much more.
You can also watch the biggest events in boxing, UFC, WWE and get exclusive action from MLB.
£29.99 per month on top of £8.99 per month Amazon Prime subscription
Martinelli father, Joao Carlos, played a key role in his son’s development, playing football with him until late at night before getting up at 5am to start work as a carpenter.
“I always told him that a professional footballer has to be able to shoot with both feet,” said Martinelli Sr. “You’re not going to be perfect on your weaker side, but you need to have it as an option. He would take 150 shots, left foot only. It sounds like I’m exaggerating, but I’m not.”
Source: Read Full Article
