RONALDINHO tipped Gabriel Martinelli to become the best footballer in the world as he likened him to Brazil legend Ronaldo.
The 18-year-old has unlocked his potential with Arsenal this season following his move to the Premier League from Ituano.
Martinelli has become the first teenager to score 10 goals in a single season for the Gunners since Nicolas Anelka in over 20 years.
Arsenal legend Martin Keown has claimed Martinelli is showing he is one of the best youngsters in Europe.
And Barcelona and Brazil icon Ronaldinho has predicted he will follow in the footsteps of Ronaldo Nazario.
The 39-year-old told the Mirror: “We as Brazilians are very excited about him and his future.
“It is one thing to have the talent – but another at the age of 18 to have the confidence.
“He reminds me of Ronaldo, his first season in Europe he scored 30 goals and people were thinking: ‘Who is this 18-year-old Brazilian kid?’
“He wanted the ball, he would run at players, there was no fear no matter what players or team he was playing against – and I see that similar attitude in Martinelli.
“He just wants to be on the ball and score goals.
“Ronaldo went on to be the best player in the world – and that can can also be the aim of Martinelli.”
Martinelli has made two appearances for Brazil’s Under-23 side, but has not yet been called up to Tite’s senior squad.
But Ronaldinho, who won the World Cup with Brazil in 2002, has insisted it is only a matter of time before he makes his debut.
He added: “I am sure that his first Brazil cap is very close – he is ready.
“Historically the national team has never been concerned with age.
“Ronaldo was playing for Brazil at 17 – and more recently Neymar and Jesus have played an important role when they were only teenagers.
“If you have the ability and talent then you will ge tthe chance – and the world can see that he has the talent.”
Martinelli’s sublime spell of form in the Premier League has led to reported interest from Real Madrid.
But Arsenal are allegedly willing to treble his wages in North London in a desperate bid to ward off the Spanish giants.
