Gabriel Martinelli is relishing the challenge of new competition in Arsenal’s attack as Mikel Arteta’s side chase Premier League and Champions League glory
Gabriel Martinelli says his trophy-chasing Arsenal players are ready to achieve “big things” after the biggest season of their lives. The Gunners are top of the Premier League, have a 100 per cent record in the Champions League and are aiming for a major title.
Brazil star Martinelli also said that most of the squad is driven by the chance to qualify for next year’s World Cup, even if winning titles and European glory weren’t motivation enough. Arsenal have not won a title since the 2004 Invincibles season and have never won a European Cup, and Arsenal’s huge squad of international stars will never have a better chance.
“I truly believe that we can achieve big things this season. We have a great group of really good players, so we believe in ourselves,” Martinelli said.
“We play at Arsenal and we want to win the Premier League, the FA Cup, the League Cup and the Champions League.
read more: The five players in Arsenal’s leadership group will decide who should be captain in a team vote.read more: Mikel Arteta reveals how 10 years of tenacity turned Arsenal into set-piece kings
“We’re doing our best. We’ve always done that and we’ll continue to do that. It’s an important season and we want to win the title. The World Cup is coming up so everyone wants to play and do their best.”
Arsenal have been in the title race and finished runners-up in each of the past three seasons, and last year they were chasing Liverpool all season.
Gunners manager Mikel Arteta’s side are at the top of the table this time around and will look to maintain their lead when they face Crystal Palace on Sunday.
But Martinelli, from his experience leading the way, warned that getting to the top is often easy, and staying there is the hard part.
“Getting there is easy, but staying there is more complicated, so we’re going to work on it. This is what we’re working on,” Martinelli said.
“But we have a great team, great fans and we will give our all. We play at Arsenal and we like playing with good players and we are happy.”
Martinelli has earned the respect of his Arsenal and Brazil team-mates and fans alike by always displaying a great mentality. Brazil is certain to be one of the favorites to win next year’s World Cup, along with England and Spain, who have many of Arsenal’s stars.
His determination to hold on to his place at club and country in the face of fierce competition is more than a driving force behind him.
Martinelli was active with a goal in the Champions League match against Atletico Madrid in midweek, but he also scored big goals off the bench against Manchester City and Athletic Bilbao earlier in the season.
The Gunners winger will be up against the likes of Brazil internationals Rodrygo and Vinicius Junior, while Eberechi Eze will only increase competition from Leandro Trossard at club level.
But Martinelli said: “You play for Arsenal, but for me it’s like the national team, because we have a lot of great players in Vini, Rodrygo and Rafinha, so I can’t complain.”
“I have to thank these players for being by my side. I’m doing my best. I’ve been trying to do my best on and off the pitch. I just want to play, have the freedom to play and show my talent.”
Join our new WhatsApp community and receive Mirror Football content every day. Community members also receive special offers, promotions, and advertisements from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can always check out. If you are interested, please read our privacy notice.
Up to 60% off Premier League kits and merchandise
various
fanatic
Click here to purchase sale items
Fanatics has taken up to 60% off football kits and merchandise. Until Sunday, fans can find discounted products from Premier League clubs including Man United, Man City, Liverpool, Everton, Arsenal, Spurs and more.
