The 24-year-old forward, who has become a key figure for both Arsenal and the Brazil national team, told CazéTV that despite living his “dream” in Europe, his heart has never really left São Paulo.
“My relationship with Corinthians has always been very intense,” Martinelli said. “I was born in Parque São Jorge. At six, I started playing for Corinthians, and my entire childhood, my life, was spent with Corinthians.
“I played futsal, played field soccer, and spent every day of the week at Parque São Jorge, all day long. My life was there. I’m passionate about the club and try to follow it as much as possible. I just don’t watch it when there’s a game the next day, because the games are always at 1 a.m., very late. But I always try to watch it with my friends.”
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He went on to reveal that the idea of finishing his career back home is something he and his family have discussed. “Even in the last derby against Palmeiras, Gabriel Magalhães went home and we watched with his friends and my friends.
“Against Palmeiras this year, we did just fine; we’re incredibly happy. But, man, at the end of my career, I have this dream of returning to Brazil. We’ve already talked, my father and I, we’re going back to Corinthians. I have that dream; my father is a huge Corinthians fan,” he added.
Martinelli joined Corinthians’ youth academy in 2008 and remained there until 2015, before moving to Ituano, where his performances eventually earned him a move to Arsenal in 2019.
Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images
Martinelli’s words echo sentiments expressed in earlier interviews, where he credited his father and his formative years in the Corinthians academy for shaping both his footballing education and his values.
However, in other interviews, he has also spoken about his desire to build his career at Arsenal and become club captain and a legend.
Back in 2019, Martinelli said, “I want to make my career here and try to be a legend.”
In 2020, after signing a new contract, he said, “I have just signed a five-year contract here and I will stay five years here.
“If they renew with me again, I will stay at this club. I love, love this club. I dream of winning the league and the Champions League here.
“Arteta is the boss. I am trying to follow his path in being an idol at the club, winning trophies and being captain.”
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