armory Forward Gabriel Martinelli has revealed he told his family he would score for Brazil before coming off the bench to score the World Cup-winning goal that sent his country into the last 16.
The 25-year-old player emerged as Brazil's hero by scoring the decisive goal in the knockout match. Later, he explained that he had already predicted that another opportunity would come after all the hard work he had already done in the tournament.
talking to globo After the match, Martinelli admitted that he had shared that confidence with those close to him.
"I was telling my family that day that I would hit the post. I knew I was going to get another chance. Thank God, today I managed to score the goal which secured qualification.
"I am very happy with the performance of the entire team, who gave their all throughout the match. I am speechless."
The strike was Martinelli's fifth goal in 26 matches for Brazil and his most important goal for the national team to date.
The Arsenal attacker has enjoyed a prominent role under Carlo Ancelotti during the World Cup.
Earlier in the tournament, He admitted that he prefers to play on the left wing But insisted he would happily be wherever the manager asked, even joking that he would play at right-back if needed.
The dream moment has finally arrived
Gabriel Martinelli could barely contain his emotions after helping Brazil advance to the next round.
“Right now I don't even have words to describe the joy in my heart, seeing all the Brazilians happy because we have qualified.
"My family, my wife, my mother, my father, my friends... I can't even explain what I'm seeing now. I think it'll be a while before it gets really cool."
The goal would also be welcomed at Arsenal ahead of the new season.
Food for thought for Arteta
Gabriel Martinelli's versatility has already been a topic of discussion during the tournament. However, Carlo Ancelotti has gone even further when discussing the Arsenal player.
Rather than viewing Martinelli solely as a winger, the Brazil manager believes he has the qualities to become a modern number 8.
"When people talk about Martinelli, they immediately think of a winger because of his pace and ability to beat defenders. But football has changed. The modern number 8 is not just a passer – he has to press, cover ground, attack the box and make intelligent runs without the ball."
Ancelotti believes the Arsenal attacker already possesses many of those qualities.
"His work rate is exceptional, he is aggressive in the press and never shies away from responsibility."
The Italian also suggested that Martinelli could thrive in the role if the right structure was built around him.
"If you create the right structure around him, I believe he can slot into that role. He has the energy to play between both boxes, the courage to carry the ball through midfield and the instinct to get into dangerous areas at the right time."
"It will take time because the situation is different, but great players learn quickly. Sometimes a player surprises you the most when you take him away from the situation everyone associates him with."
"I wouldn't be afraid to experiment with Martinelli as an attacking No. 8 in some games because I think he has the intelligence and personality to do that."
With competition fierce for places at both club and international level, moments like this could prove crucial. Furthermore, Martinelli has stressed that he is ready to contribute wherever needed. His latest appearance clearly showed why both Ancelotti and Arteta continue to have faith in him.
