Arsenal forward Gabriel Martinelli has stated that ‘it’s an honour’ after being compared to Kaka, as he told Stadium Astro.
The 20-year-old added that ‘you need to keep working hard’ and ‘work your best every day’ in order for him to go to the next level.
Martinelli may not be a consistent starter for Arsenal, but his talent is there for all to see and the speed at which he can carry the ball is frightening at times.
He has been quite a find for Arsenal, after joining the club from Brazilian outfit Ituano in 2019 for £6 million as an unknown figure (Goal).
It’s understandable that the footballing hotbed he has nurtured his talent on will also see him linked with the legendary players that have put on that famous yellow shirt.
When Martinelli was told that he has been compared to former Ballon d’Or winner Kaka, the Arsenal forward issued this response.
“It’s an honour when someone compares you with this legend,” said Martinelli.
“But you need to keep working hard and work your best every day to go to the next level.”
Under Mikel Arteta, Martinelli has found that game time tough to come by, although, in recent weeks, it is starting to pick up.
From his last four Premier League matches, he has scored one and assisted two for his teammates, including starting his side’s last three matches.
With Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang being punished by Arteta, and it’s not yet known when he will return, it has allowed Martinelli to keep his place in the side.
Plus, many Arsenal fans will argue that he has performed better than Aubameyang and deserves to start ahead of him.
Whether or not that happens remains to be seen as Arsenal take on fourth-placed West Ham on Wednesday.
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