Martinelli Leaves Arsenal: "I Write This Farewell with Tears in My Eyes, 7 Unforgettable Years"

At 3 AM Beijing time on September 4 (CEST), Al-Hilal officially announced the signing of Martinelli. Shortly after, the Brazilian winger posted on social media to bid farewell to Arsenal.

Martinelli's Farewell Message:

The day of farewell has finally arrived. To be honest, I'm still not ready to write this farewell letter, but I'll try.

When I first arrived here seven years ago, I was just an 18-year-old teenager. Back then, I thought in my heart that I would stay here forever, but life is unpredictable, and sometimes the path we take doesn't lead where we originally imagined.

Could we win the championship? Could I adapt to a new club, new country, and new cultural environment? Could I score in the Champions League? Could I score that crucial winning goal? Would I get the chance to play in the Olympics? Play in the World Cup? I even fantasized about scoring in the World Cup.

These were the questions that repeatedly crossed the mind of 18-year-old Martinelli back then.

And now, the answer is yes—we succeeded.

We won the FA Cup, the Community Shield, and finally achieved that long-awaited goal—winning the Premier League title. Wearing the Brazil national team jersey, I won an Olympic gold medal, participated in two World Cups, and scored some very significant goals. At Arsenal, I contributed to 98 direct goal involvements.

I have spent 7 full years at this club. It's safe to say that I am a product of Hale End Academy. Here, I found a big family, and everyone accompanied me, protected me, and witnessed my growth along the way.

I want to express my gratitude to all club staff and teammates. Thank you to the kitchen staff, kit managers, team doctors, gatekeepers, security, media team, cleaning staff, physiotherapists, and every teammate who has been part of my journey since 2019. Thank you to everyone who helped me grow along the way.

To all the fans, thank you for everything you've given me. From the day I arrived here, you made me feel at home. Every time I stepped onto the pitch, no matter what the circumstances, I gave everything I had and dedicated it all to this jersey.

To Arsenal Football Club: Thank you for trusting me and giving me the opportunity to show myself to the world.

Most importantly, I want to thank my family and my wife. You have always been by my side throughout this journey, giving me the most precious spiritual support and helping me overcome the difficulties that only we truly understand.

This long journey has written too many memories, and now it has come to an end. I write these words with tears in my eyes; seven years, and countless words cannot express it all.

From No. 35 to No. 1, once a Gunner, always a Gunner.

Goodbye, and thank you again to you all. 🤍❤️