Brazil manager Tite explains Arsenal forward Gabriel Martinelli World Cup inclusion
Gabriel Martinelli, a 21-year-old forward for Arsenal, has received his second call-up to Brazil’s national team after being included to Tite’s 26-man World Cup roster.
Martinelli only made his senior debut for his nation earlier this year, but he is now ready to represent Brazil at the event this winter.
Martinelli, along with Gabriel Jesus, Martin Odegaard, and Bukayo Saka, has formed an integral part of Arsenal’s attack under Mikel Arteta this season, which has propelled the Gunners to the Premier League summit.
Martinelli has firmly established himself in the Arsenal first squad this season, scoring five goals and registering two assists in 13 Premier League games.
He has been a fixture in the Arsenal first team for the past few seasons.
Martinelli himself is loving life in north London, and he recently provided a significant update on his future amid rumors of a new contract, as his present deal expires in 2024.
Martinelli, who made his Brazil debut in March of this year, will be his country’s youngest representative at the tournament at the age of 21.
He revealed to Ian Wright and Musa Okwonga on an episode of the ‘Wrighty’s House’ podcast that his father told him when he was seven that he would play at a World Cup when he was 21.
When asked in June 2022 what the World Cup meant to him, Martinelli responded: “I am trying everything to go to the world cup. When I was 7 my dad told me that when I am 21, there will be a world cup and you’re going to be playing”.
Brazil manager Tite discussed Martinelli’s late call-up to the squad, citing three reasons for his inclusion.
He said: “We like Martinelli aggressiveness. He’s one of the top players at Arsenal, the first placed in the Premier League. He’s good on 1v1, very rapid in transitions, he’s been keeping a good level.”
Brazil will begin their World Cup campaign against Serbia on November 24, followed by matches against Switzerland and Cameroon 10 days later.
Brazil manager Tite explains Arsenal forward Gabriel Martinelli World Cup inclusion
