Arsenal’s Brazilian winger, Gabriel Martinelli, is a player who thrives under pressure.
Known for his relentless training regimen and a mentality that leaves little room for doubt, he’s built a reputation as one of the most driven players in the squad.
And while other footballers might be shaken by public criticism or on-field incidents, Martinelli seems to take it all in stride—channeling any negativity into his performances.
A Rapid Response to Criticism
Three days after Gary Neville’s controversial suggestion that a Liverpool player should “whack him,” Martinelli responded the only way he knows how—on the pitch.
Instead of letting the comments rattle him, he delivered a ruthless hat-trick in Arsenal’s FA Cup third-round clash against Portsmouth.
No over-the-top celebrations, no drama—just clinical finishing and back to work.
This performance came just after a turbulent week, one that included a controversial incident with Conor Bradley during Arsenal’s tense goalless draw with Liverpool.
Martinelli’s push on Bradley, which resulted in the latter injuring his knee, sparked a media frenzy.
The Brazilian quickly apologized for the incident, but his composed, no-nonsense response in the following match seemed like a reset—a clear message that he’s not easily distracted and is determined to stay focused on what he does best.
Martinelli’s Role in Arsenal’s Success
Gabriel Martinelli’s contributions to Arsenal go far beyond the occasional hat-trick.
Since joining the club in 2019, he’s been an integral part of the team’s attack.
His remarkable consistency is evident from his record-breaking run in the Champions League, where he became the first Arsenal player to score in five consecutive games this season.
His ability to score when it matters most—whether in key league matches or during tight title races—has earned him a regular spot in Mikel Arteta’s first team.
Arteta has always been quick to praise Martinelli’s mentality, highlighting the importance of having a strong personality in such a high-pressure environment.
As Arteta put it: “To play for a big club, you need a big personality.
It can be a missed action, something that costs you a game, and three days later, there’s another game.
So, you need to lift yourself up and make it count.”
Martinelli exemplifies this resilience, always ready to turn the page and deliver when his team needs him the most.
Off the Pitch: A Calm and Focused Persona
While his on-field intensity is undeniable, off the pitch, Martinelli leads a refreshingly low-key lifestyle.
Unlike many of his peers, he avoids the limelight and focuses on what truly matters to him—his family and football.
He spends much of his free time with his fiancée, Isabella Rousso, and makes a point of visiting his parents, Joao and Elizabete.
These simple, meaningful moments help him recharge, away from the pressures of his growing fame.
This grounded attitude is a testament to the values instilled in him by his father during his upbringing in Brazil.
Despite his status as one of Arsenal’s most talented players, Martinelli’s priorities have remained firmly rooted in his love for the game, not the celebrity status that often accompanies it.
An Intensity That Drives Him
Mikel Arteta has often spoken about Martinelli’s remarkable attitude towards training.
“Gabi, in every context that you throw him in, he plays, he doesn’t play.
He performs well, not well. He’s going to train 100 miles an hour, for sure.
He’s not going to change that. And that’s Gabi,” Arteta explained.
Training with such ferocity has become a hallmark of Martinelli’s career.
At Arsenal’s London Colney training ground, he’s known for treating every session like a match, running at full speed while others take it easier.
It’s a mindset forged through adversity.
As a young player, Martinelli faced rejection from major clubs like Manchester United and Barcelona before Arsenal took a chance on him, following the advice of the club’s former sporting director, Edu.
The £6 million transfer from Ituano in 2019 was a gamble that quickly paid off.
By the time Martinelli was 21, he had firmly established himself in the first team, becoming a fan favorite for his relentless style of play and infectious enthusiasm.
His Brazilian teammates, including Gabriel Magalhães and Gabriel Jesus, are also close friends, and the club’s Christian contingent is important to him, as he shares pre-match prayers with players like Noni Madueke and Jurrien Timber.
Overcoming Setbacks and Staying Committed
Although Martinelli’s 2023–24 season has been more stop-start compared to previous years, he’s still managed to deliver key moments when called upon.
With only six Premier League starts so far this season, it’s been a tough adjustment for the 24-year-old.
But even in limited minutes, he continues to make an impact—scoring a dramatic last-minute equalizer against Manchester City in September and netting five goals in the Champions League despite limited time on the pitch.
Despite the competition for places in Arsenal’s attack—players like Noni Madueke and Leandro Trossard are pushing him for a starting spot—Martinelli’s mentality remains unchanged.
Whether he’s starting or coming off the bench, he brings the same intensity and focus.
A Footballer Who Never Lets Up
In the midst of all the noise surrounding him, Martinelli remains, at his core, exactly what he’s always been: a player who gives everything on the pitch, treating each game as if it might be his last.
His unwavering commitment to his craft and his refusal to be distracted by external factors make him a valuable asset for Arsenal and a player who continues to grow despite the challenges.
As he looks ahead to the rest of the season, Martinelli is determined to keep proving himself and show that his desire to succeed—both individually and as part of the team—is stronger than ever.
For a player who trains at 100 miles an hour, there’s no slowing down now.
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