Arsenal forward Gabriel Martinelli has told The Players’ Tribune that he is happy that he is at the Gunners now and not at Manchester United.
Martinelli has outlined how he could have ended up at Manchester United when he was a teenager instead of starring for Arsenal at the moment.
The 21-year-old Brazil international has been on the books of Arsenal since 2019.
The youngster has said that he was part of a United project and had several trials, but when he was 17, he was told that the former Premier League and UEFA Champions League winners would not take him.
At all.
Arsenal star Gabriel Martinelli on Manchester United rejection
Martinelli said: “I thank God that I came to Arsenal in 2019. I really believe that things happen for a reason, and I’m so happy here. It’s funny to look back now, because I could so easily have ended up somewhere else.
“You see, I used to be part of this project at Manchester United. I was actually there for several trials. I even met many of the senior players. When I was 17, I had my last session there, so I went back to Brazil waiting for news.
“One day my dad called me into the living room. He had spoken to my agent and … well, United had said no.
“Not just, ‘No, for this year.’ But, ‘No, we don’t want him. At all.’ To be honest, I was shaken. They had seen me play several times, and I was sure they were going to sign me, you know?”
Starring at Qatar World Cup
Gabriel Martinelli is part of the Brazil squad for the 2022 World Cup finals in Qatar, and the Arsenal forward could be a star for his country.
The 21-year-old is unlikely to start matches for Brazil, at least in the group stage, but he could play his role as a substitute.
We know that Martinelli is very good on the ball, is quick, can dribble, can run at opposition defenders, can score goals, and can create chances.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
