Emi Martinez says he found it tough to adjust to life at Arsenal when he joined the club as a teenager.
As per the Telegraph, he made sure that Gabriel Martinelli was looked after, as he knew the Brazilian hitman was suffering this season.
He said: “That is why, when Gabi came along, I made sure somebody helped him. I know how much you suffer in the first year. It was very difficult for me because I was underage so in the first year I could not play professionally.
“I did not have my European passport yet. So from 17 to 18, I did not play in an official game.”
Martinez also touched on his relationship with manager Mikel Arteta, who he has known since his playing days under Arsene Wenger.
He said the Spaniard hates long balls and admitted he has been surprised by how good Arteta has been as a rookie manager.
Some Gunners may say the same about Martinez, who has had to be so patient and wait for his chance at the Emirates Stadium.
They might not have known how good he was, but they do now, and Martinez will hope to get his safe hands on the FA Cup tomorrow.
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