Gabriel Martinelli scored a goal for Arsenal on his Champions League debut and has described the feeling as very special.
The Brazilian had to be patient to make his Champions League debut but says it was as ‘perfect’ as he could have imagined.
Martinelli had to sit out Arsenal’s opening two group games with a hamstring injury, but did not waste time before making a goal-scoring account in the competition, having scored a sublime goal after going round the goalkeeper in the Gunners’ 2-1 win over Sevilla on Tuesdsay night.
Reflecting on his contribution after the game, it was all-round perfection for the 22-year-old.
Martinelli excited at ‘dream’ Champions League debut
“Last night I was just in bed thinking about this moment and how it could be, and how I wanted it to be”, Martinelli said.
“It couldn’t be better. I think we played really well, I scored and the team won so couldn’t be better. I’m so happy with the performance of the team.”
Recollecting his goal, Martinelli added: “Big Gabi made the clearance to the other Gabi, and then he was amazing with a nice skill and played it to me. I just waited for the keeper, looked at him, and I thought I couldn’t miss it again. It was good I scored!”
Head-coach Mikel Arteta also heaped praise on Gabriel Jesus, saying: “He came here for a reason; he changed our world. He’s brought so much belief and energy to the team, and he needs to step into those moments. That’s why he played, and he’s done that.”
“That’s when a player becomes accountable to the team, and the team relies on those players to win games. We need players like this. You want to play, go to Manchester City, then come to Stamford Bridge, then coming here; that’s the level we are at right now. To come here and win, it’s a big credit to the boys.”
