Ronaldinho: “Martinelli reminds me of Ronaldo”

Brazilian football legend Ronaldinho sees many similarities between Gabriel Martinelli and Ronaldo, saying the Arsenal teenager will become one of the best players in the world in the future.

Martinelli, just 18, made a major breakthrough by switching from a Brazilian lower league club to the Premier League this summer when he joined Arsenal from Ituano.

But he is not at all distracted by the extraordinary form and quick fame, scoring 10 goals in 21 appearances in all competitions for Arsenal.

The young Brazilian has become sensational after running the ball across the field to score the Arsenal 2: 2 equalizer with Chelsea.

Even Ronaldo had appeared on the stage scoring a similar goal for Barcelona against Compostela.

Therefore, Ronaldinho, the 2002 World Cup winner with Brazil, sees similarities in their game.

“We Brazilians are excited about him and his future. Having talent is something else, and something else to have confidence at the age of 18. He reminds me of Ronaldo in his first season in Europe, when he scored 30 goals and people were saying, ‘who is this 18-year-old boy from Brazil?’ ” Ronaldinho told the Mirror.

“He was looking for the ball, running with it in the direction of the players, without fearing who he was playing against and I see a resemblance to Martinelli,” he added.

“He too wants the ball and scores goals. “Ronaldo has become one of the best in the world and that could be Martinelli’s goal,” he said.