'He reminds me of Ronaldo': Ronaldinho tips Arsenal starlet Gabriel Martinelli to follow in the footsteps of the Brazil icon... before claiming he can be 'the best player in the world'
- Gabriel Martinelli has burst onto the scene at Arsenal in sensational style
- The 18-year-old star has scored 10 goals in 21 appearances in all competitions
- He scored an incredible 70-yard solo goal against Chelsea last Tuesday night
- The Arsenal striker has been compared to Brazil icon Ronaldo by Ronaldinho
Ronaldinho claims Gabriel Martinelli can follow in the footsteps of Brazil legend Ronaldo after breaking onto the scene in sensational style at Arsenal.
Martinelli has been a shining light for the Gunners in what has been an extremely difficult season - scoring 10 goals in 21 matches, including a fantastic 70-yard solo goal against London rivals Chelsea.
Martinelli has shown no signs of fear whatsoever, which has led to Ronaldinho comparing him to his 2002 World Cup-winning team-mate.
![Gabriel Martinelli has burst onto the scene in sensational style with Arsenal this season](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2020/01/27/09/23923308-0-image-a-1_1580116498481.jpg)
Gabriel Martinelli has burst onto the scene in sensational style with Arsenal this season
'We as Brazilians are very excited about him and his future. It is one thing to have the talent - but another at the age of 18 to have the confidence,' Ronaldinho told the Mirror.
'He reminds me of Ronaldo his first season in Europe, he scored 30 goals and people were thinking: "who is this 18 year old Brazilian kid?"
'He wanted the ball, he would run at players, there was no fear no matter what players or team he was playing against - and I see that similar attitude in Martinelli.
'He just wants to be on the ball and score goals. Ronaldo went on to be the best player in the world - and that can also be the aim of Martinelli.'
![Ronaldinho (left) has been praising of Martinelli by comparing him to Ronaldo (right)](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2020/01/27/09/23923516-7933511-image-a-16_1580116851421.jpg)
Ronaldinho (left) has been praising of Martinelli by comparing him to Ronaldo (right)
![](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2017/08/02/636x90_facebook_ad_sport.png)
Most watched Sport videos
- Giants fans burn quarterback Daniel Jones' jersey after loss
- Montenegro fans create distraction from football with fireworks
- Las Vegas Raiders fan body slams a woman during brawl
- Awkward moment footy great can't pronounce NRL player's name
- Johnny Gaudreau's wife Meredith announces she is pregnant
- Moment Miami Dolphin's Tyreek Hill is arrested by police
- Jason Kelce bares all with ex-Eagles teammate in revealing beer ad
- Shocking bodycam of Tyreek Hill arrest released by Miami-Dade PD
- Woman exposes NRL boyfriend for leaving her for another
- Ireland fans mock Queen's death aiming chants at England fans
- John Hunt makes a poignant return to the commentary box at Brighton
- Tyreek Hill speeds by police before cops aggressively pull him over