Gabriel Martinelli: Arsenal Star Reveals Unknown Details of Man United’s Painful Rejection

Gabriel Martinelli: Arsenal Star Reveals Unknown Details of Man United’s Painful Rejection

Edwin Kiplagat
updated at April 12, 2023 at 8:17 PM
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  • Arsenal youngster Gabriel Martinelli has opened up on the painful Manchester United rejection
  • Martinelli had several trials with the Red Devils, but they did not sign him
  • He was eventually snapped up by Arsenal, and everything is history

Arsenal and Brazil winger Grabriel Martinelli has revealed the details of his relationship with Manchester United when he was still coming up as a footballer in Brazil.

The winger, who is now a starter for the Gunners, had a few run-ins with some top European clubs before eventually settling in North London.

Gabriel Martinelli, Arsenal, Manchester United, Brazil, 2022 World Cup
Gabriel Martinelli will be playing in the World Cup for the first time. Photo by Stuart MacFarlane.
Source: Getty Images

The 21-year-old has started in every Premier League game this season, netting five goals and providing two assists. He has been an influential player for Arsenal's phenomenal start to the season.

Martinelli's excellent performances this season were rewarded by a call-up to the 2022 World Cup, according to Sky Sports. He is looking to return to the Emirates in December with a medal from the biggest football event in the world.

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Martinelli on Man United rejection

Speaking to Players Tribune via M.E.N, Martinelli said he had several trials at Manchester United and Barcelona, but he wasn't successful.

"I used to be part of this project at Manchester United. I was actually there for several trials."

He described how United delivered the message of rejection.

"One day my dad called me into the living room. He had spoken to my agent and, well, United had said no. Not just; 'No, for this year... No, we don't want him at all."I was shaken. They had seen me play several times, and I was sure they were going to sign me."

The North London side signed him from lower-level Brazilian side Ituano for €7.1 million in 2019. He also revealed that he went for trials at La Masia and rubbed shoulders with Ansu Fati.

Martinelli responds to critics

Sports Brief earlier reported on Martinelli hitting back at critics who didn't like his inclusion in the Brazil team for the World Cup.

Martinelli said that although not many people in Brazil are familiar with his game, he stated that he will contribute in Qatar.

Former Brazil star Neto criticised Brazil coach Tite for calling upon Martinelli instead of Flamengo star Gabigol.

Authors
Edwin Kiplagat photo
Edwin Kiplagat
Edwin Kiplagat has five years of experience in journalism working as a Sports Editor at Africa Insight Communications and ESPN. Edwin Kiplagat is a Bachelor's Degree holder in journalism from the Multimedia University of Kenya.