Gabriel Martinelli has been speaking to the BBC about life at Arsenal, where he was asked about Thierry Henry and Ian Wright.
What’s the story?
Well, the BBC‘s Alex Howell asked Martinelli if he looks up to players like Henry and Wright.
In response, the £90,000-a-week Arsenal forward revealed that Wright actually sends him text messages of encouragement.
Martinelli said: “He text me all the time. When I first came, he text me good luck. When I got injured as well, after the games he texts me as well. He’s a lovely guy.”
By the sounds of it, Wright is a great character to have involved at the Emirates Stadium.
For youngsters such as Martinelli, it’s important for senior figures to put an arm around them and help guide them through the world of football.
With messages from Wright, and Mikel Arteta developing him very well at London Colney, the Brazilian is in the perfect environment to thrive.
Arsenal have a gem in Gabriel Martinelli
While Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe are enjoying fabulous seasons, we believe Martinelli is actually the most exciting youngster at Arsenal.
The 20-year-old is still extremely raw, but his pace, dribbling ability and relentless stamina prove he has the physical traits to become a superstar.
Once Martinelli begins to nail his decision making in the final third, Arsenal will genuinely have one of Europe’s best forwards on their hands, in our view.
With five goals and four assists to his name this season, there is so much more to come from the Arsenal wonderkid.
Furthermore, if he can pick up some striking tips from Wright – one of the best forwards of his time – then Mikel Arteta could soon have an attacking sensation on his hands.
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