Gabriel Martinelli says he’s “cool” about criticism surrounding his call-up to Brazil’s World Cup squad after some no-mark rent-a-gob went on a rant about the decision being corrupt.
We’re not going to relay what was originally said nor are we going to waste time looking up the guy’s background. We’ll just make the safe assumption that he has all the gravitas of Jamie O’Hara.
It’s very cool laying into a 21-year-old, mate. We bet you feel like a big man for that.
Anyway, Martinelli – who is having a superb season for Arsenal – has responded in a typically diplomatic fashion.
He told ESPN Brazil (related by Sport Witness): “I think this is normal. Some people in Brazil don’t know me and it’s also normal to say that other players deserved to be there. But I’m pretty cool about it, I think this is normal.
“I know what I’m doing at my club, I know my ability and I know what I can do. And you can be sure that I will do my best for the Brazilian team, in whatever I can help the team I will help. It will be a great experience for me.”
Martinelli also touched on how the Arsenal squad received the news of his selection, alongside Gabriel Jesus.
“Everyone was very happy for us to be in the World Cup. It’s good for Arsenal, too, to have players in the World Cup. And everyone was very happy, we are a very united team.
“Today, there was also the call-up of Bukayo [Saka], Aaron [Ramsdale, Ben [White], so we are happy for each other. We know that we are at the top of the Premier League, but this is just the beginning, and that we still have a lot of work to do.”
Alongside the England trio and Brazilian duo, the Gunners will also be represented by Takehiro Tomiyasu (Japan), Granit Xhaka (Switzerland), Matt Turner (USA), William Saliba (France). It’s expected that Thomas Partey will also get the nod from Ghana.
To date, Arsenal have had six players win the World Cup while on the books at the club.
Emmanuel Petit and Patrick Vieira helped France to success on home turf in 1998, Cesc Fabregas provided the assist for Andres Iniesta’s extra time winner over Holland in 2010 and German trio Per Mertesacker, Lukas Podolski and Mesut Ozil were victorious in Rio.
Saliba, who could well start in defence for reigning champions France, is aware of the history and keen to emulate the achievement of his illustrious predecessors.
After Wednesday’s defeat to Brighton, he said: “Yes, of course, I want to be the next Frenchmen to do that, like Petit or Vieira. We will see.
“You know in France we have a lot of good defenders so that is why I am so happy. If I am in the squad it’s because I had a good start to the season with Arsenal. I am so happy and grateful to be in this squad.”
Good mentality. Play as well as you can rather than spend any time listening to the moaners.
He will go far, preferably with us.
“No-mark rent-a-gob” 😂😂😂, excellent! Seriously, why should a talented young man with the world at his feet who’s just fulfilled a lifetime ambition care what some two-bit hack spews out? Best of luck to Gaby and the rest of the boys set to represent their home countries, here’s hoping they have a satisfying and injury-free tournament: the battle for the league title awaits them.
Bruh meanwhile they think Richarlison is better?
LoL can’t believe the basketballchickens paid more for him than city did for Haaland.
I can. Well, the official fee, anyway. Brown envelopes and all that.
Martinelli deserves his place in the team if his form this season is anything to go by.
IArsenal regularly have youngsters make the cut for the Mundial. Theo Walcott was part of the England team in Germany, 2006 at 18.
At 16 actually 😊
My bad, I think he was 16 when picked, just turned 17 when tournament started.
I lived in Brazil a few years ago. Whenever “No-mark rent-a-gob” (neto) was commenting the game, I swear I always looked for the stream or had to watch the game muted, so I would not have to hear that insufferable voice of that id10t, coupled with similar comments as those our boy GM is doing well in ignoring.
Lol, I do that when Micheal Owen opens his mouth or Jenas.
Such sniping often comes with the territory – nothing to worry about really. It’s only what happens on the pitch that counts (as always) and I’m sure he’ll grab the opportunity if/when it’s presented at the World Cup.
I get the impression this guy Neto who said it was more upset that Gabigol (Gabriel Barbosa) didn’t get a call-up, so he attacked Martinelli and Jesus to suggest they are poor by comparison. The guy is clearly a narrow-minded overblown moron, but even morons tend to have some form of motive beneath their moroncy rather than just pure hatred and this case is no different. Essentially layered under the vitriol and outrage there is a justifiable opinion about Gabigol’s exclusion, considering Gabigol’s scoring record and recent performances in Copa Libertadores. Plus I imagine there’s an element of this guy… Read more »
Barbosa has had plenty of opportunities to impress and also plays a different position entirely to martinelli!
But i kinda don’t dislike Jamie O’Hara
I don’t.
He’s taken crass football punditry to Olympic levels.
The guy is a super cunt.
He is therefore the perfect ambassador for Tottenham Hotspur.
George Eastham also won the WC with England in 1966 when he was on Arsenal’s books!
Was going to say the same thing. Didn’t get a medal at the time but FIFA gave one to squad members later.
Although he didn’t play. He was just in the squad, so wasn’t exactly influential!
Said a year ago Martinelli could become our Lewandowski in a few years and ive not changed my mind, a class act, ultimate professional, driven, fantastic player, he loves our club and we love him, he accepts his call up is down to his form and playing for a top club, where the hell is that pen…
If you haven’t heard of him you’re incompetent at knowing things about football.
It just struck me now, that Saliba was yet to be born, when Petit and Vieira won the World Cup.
I’m gonna spent the rest of this beautiful that with that thought.
And on studying english punctuation.
I’m in awe of how your final sentence is in both the past and the future and has a demonstrative pronoun that doesn’t refer to anything.
We who see him play on a regular basis are not that suprised. Id be more suprised if he didnt make the squad. Well played and good luck!