Gabriel Martinelli, an Arsenal attacker, has acknowledged that Thierry Henry, a club legend, is an inspiration to him and that he still idolizes the legendary Frenchman.
THE BOTTOM LINE: LOTS OF HONOR FOR A LEGENDARY NAME
Gabriel Martinelli has expressed his appreciation for Thierry Henry and acknowledged that the legendary Arsenal player still influences a significant portion of his play.
The Brazilian was not even born when Henry arrived in north London in 1999 and was just six years old when he departed Arsenal for Barcelona in 2007. Henry, however, doesn’t require an introduction in Arsenal and Premier League mythology, and his legacy and influence span several decades.
Get Instantly Update By: Joining Our Whatapps and Telegram Channel
Martinelli, who has consistently played on Arsenal’s left side, is right-footed like Henry. The 21-year-old had a breakout season last year, scoring six goals and dishing out six assists in just 21 Premier League appearances to establish himself as one of the league’s most promising young strikers.
The talented forward has already had a productive start to the campaign, scoring twice in Arsenal’s first three Premier League matches, including the team’s opening goal of the year.
A HENRY’S LEGACY LIVES ON:
In a recent interview, Martinelli admitted that he sometimes imitates the Frenchman’s playing style and that he thinks Arsenal legend Henry is the best player to have ever played in the Premier League.
“I’ve already met him. He’s a good guy,” Martinelli said of the team’s all-time leading scorer to Sky Sports.
He was amazing on the field and a legend for the team and the Premier League. He is an incredible player, and I think he is the best Premier League player of all time.
Yep, of course, I think everyone does [attempt to model their game after his], he continued. He was a fantastic athlete. Everyone admires him. Henry’s goal against Tottenham is perhaps my favorite. the one in which he slides his knee.”
Gabriel Jesus, a fellow Brazilian, has previously praised Henry as well, but he added that he wants to leave his own mark on the team.
“Thierry Henry is what you mean by Arsenal. Jesus stated to Goal earlier this summer that Thierry is exceptional and ranks among the greatest players in history.
But I’m not interested in replacing Thierry Henry. I want to leave my mark on the history of this club. I’ll be there, spending 90 minutes per game in the box while attempting to both score and assist.
A GOOD SOURCE OF INSPIRATION, IS THE VERDICT
Martinelli and Arsenal will be looking to make it four victories from four at the start of a league campaign since the 2004/05 season, when they won their first five games consecutively, even though they are already making an early imprint and are atop the Premier League after three games.
The Gunners will feel lot more confident with a victory, but as Martin Odegaard previously suggested, the key is to focus on one game at a time.