'They never said they wanted me': How Martinelli spent years on trial at Man United only to sign for Arsenal

Gabriel Martinelli has revealed the circumstances that led him ditch Manchester United for Arsenal after four trials at Old Trafford.

Speaking to The Athletic when asked about his move to England, he said: "My agent said we need to take a decision [on my future]. When he said Arsenal, I said, 'okay, you do not need to say anything else, we are going to London.

"My dad and I had watched the Premier League together, all the teams, like Manchester City, Manchester United, Arsenal and Leicester.  I actually had four different trials at United when I was 13, 14, 15 and 16.

"This was in Manchester at the club’s training base... I met first-team players like Zlatan [Ibrahimovic], Paul Pogba, Wayne Rooney and Patrice Evra.  There was never a moment, though, when they said they wanted me there. But it gave me a taste and made the adaptation a little easier because I had experienced football in England.

"Even after those trials, I always believed in myself. My mind is always thinking, 'I can do it'."

Martinelli ultimately signed for Arsenal in 2019 having caught the eye at Brazilian outfit Ituano. He has become an important part of Mikel Arteta's team this season, scoring four goals and assisting two.

Source: The Athletic