The talented forward’s parents have moved with him to London, and he has gushed over how much they have helped him.
He told Marca: “I had a very good childhood. My father placed me in Corinthians to play football at age six, since then I have not stopped.
“So I lived with my father and my mother and in the same courtyard my grandfather lived with my uncle. The change has been difficult.
“Moving to England is complicated but it is all for one purpose, which is the most important thing, to come to play for Arsenal.
“My parents live with me and are always by my side. My sisters stayed in Brazil. With food and stuff I have no problem because my mother cooks at home and it is easier for me.”
The promise of instantly being involved with the first-team helped persuade Martinelli into making the move to North London.
It’s not just Martinelli’s parents that have helped him settle in England, however, as he praised former manager Unai Emery – as well as current boss Mikel Arteta.
He said: “Both are amazing people. Unai helped me a lot, he was the first who trusted me and placed me. I will always be very grateful. He was the one who gave me my first minutes in Europe.
“Mikel now also gives me a lot of confidence. I am very grateful. He always tries to help me and give me advice so I can improve my football.
“In that I think he is amazing because he tries to give attention to all the players and is a very good person.”
