Arsenal winger Gabriel Martinelli has once again expressed his long-standing desire to play for Corinthians in the future, admitting that he has already discussed the idea with his father. The 24-year-old, now an established star in the Premier League and a regular for Brazil, opened up in a heartfelt interview with CazéTV about his enduring bond with the São Paulo giants.
Martinelli, who grew up in Parque São Jorge and spent much of his childhood in Corinthians’ futsal and football youth setups, made it clear that his emotional connection to the club remains unshakable — even while thriving in London.
“My relationship with Corinthians has always been very intense. I was born in Parque São Jorge. When I was six, I started playing there and spent my entire childhood at the club. I played futsal. Played on the pitch, and spent every day of the week at Parque São Jorge. My life was there,” he explained.
Emotional ties run deep
Martinelli admitted that despite the time difference and his demanding Arsenal schedule, he still follows Corinthians closely. “I’m passionate about the club, I try to follow them as much as I can. I only don’t watch when I have a game the next day because they’re usually on at 1am, very late. But I always try to watch with my friends.”
He even revealed that Arsenal teammate Gabriel Magalhães shares the same passion for watching Brazilian football. “In the last derby, Gabriel went home and we watched it together with our friends,” Martinelli said.
“At the end of my career, I have this dream of going back to Brazil. My dad and I have already talked about it, we’ll go back to Corinthians. It’s my dream, and my dad is a huge Corinthians fan.” — Gabriel Martinelli, via CazéTV
A familiar declaration of loyalty
This is not the first time Martinelli has spoken publicly about his desire to one day return to his boyhood club. In 2023, he told ESPN of the same ambition, and earlier this year he was spotted wearing a Corinthians shirt while attending a Copa do Brasil fixture.
Having left the club’s youth setup in 2015 when his family relocated to Itu, Martinelli went on to play for Ituano before being snapped up by Arsenal in 2019. His rise since then has been remarkable, establishing himself as one of the Gunners’ most important players under Mikel Arteta and playing a crucial role in their push for trophies.
Stats snapshot – Gabriel Martinelli 2025/26
| Stat (2025/26) | Gabriel Martinelli |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 9 |
| Goals | 3 |
| Assists | 1 |
source: sofascore match data – 8 October 2025
Martinelli’s numbers highlight his continued influence for Arsenal this season, with three goals and one assist in nine appearances. While he remains fully committed to the Gunners for now, his remarks underline that his future may eventually take him back to where it all began.
Analyst Verdict
FootballPlace analyst John William believes Martinelli’s comments will resonate with both Arsenal and Corinthians supporters:
“Martinelli is at the peak of his powers with Arsenal, but his honesty about his roots is refreshing. He has never hidden his love for Corinthians, and while a return in the short term is unlikely, it’s a matter of when rather than if he goes back. For Arsenal, it’s a reminder of his deep cultural ties, but also a motivation to make sure his best years are maximised in North London.”
Key Insights
- Martinelli reveals he has “dream” to return to Corinthians later in his career.
- He joined the club’s futsal team at age six and spent his childhood at Parque São Jorge.
- The Arsenal winger remains a passionate fan, watching games despite time differences.
- Has 9 appearances, 3 goals and 1 assist for Arsenal this season.
- Previously made similar comments about Corinthians in 2023.
What’s Next for Martinelli and Arsenal?
For now, Martinelli’s focus remains on Arsenal’s campaign. With nine games already under his belt this season, his contributions in attack are vital as the Gunners battle in the Premier League and Champions League.
As for Corinthians, Martinelli’s words will only strengthen hopes among their fanbase that one of their own will eventually return home. While a move is unlikely anytime soon, his heartfelt connection makes a late-career switch back to São Paulo a very real possibility.
👉 Should Arsenal fans be worried about Gabriel Martinelli’s dream of returning to Corinthians, or is it simply a long-term plan after his peak years in London?
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