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Arsenal's Gabriel Martinelli names Cristiano Ronaldo as his biggest footballing idol growing up, while the 21-year-old winger admits he was 'scared' of leaving Brazil for a trial with Manchester United as a teenager

Gabriel Martinelli has named Cristiano Ronaldo as his biggest childhood footballing idol, although the Arsenal star was keen to stress his parents were his 'main inspirations'.

Martinelli has been a key player for the Gunners this season, netting 15 goals in 35 league games as they continue to hunt down a first title since 2004.

He has now revealed a childhood affection for a legend from one of Arsenal's biggest rivals.

The 21-year-old told the club's website: 'If you were talking about footballers, the person I looked up to was always Cristiano Ronaldo.