Arsenal striker Martinelli in shock playing against Man Utd ace Ronaldo: One of my idols

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·7 March 2022

Arsenal striker Gabriel Martinelli has admitted he was starstruck when coming up against Cristiano Ronaldo for the first time.

The Brazilian lined up against Ronaldo during Arsenal's loss to Manchester United at Old Trafford in December.

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And Martinelli has said it was an honour to play against one of his footballing idols.

"When I saw Ronaldo in the game against United I couldn't really believe he was there," said Martinelli told Soccer Bible.

"I saw him and I was like, 'wow this is Ronaldo.'

"I'm a bit shy, so I didn't say anything, just shook hands with him. But to play against my idols shows that I've got there."