'Still don’t feel ready' Martinelli sends message to Arsenal

(Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)

'Still don’t feel ready' Martinelli sends message to Arsenal

Originally posted on Just Arsenal | By Admin Martin | Last updated Sep 4, 2026 12:00 PM ET

Gabriel Martinelli has sent a message to Arsenal fans after completing his move from the Gunners to Al Hilal.

The Brazilian was chosen to be sacrificed by the Gunners this season as they looked to completely change the face of their squad for the campaign. His departure brings an end to his time with Arsenal after seven years at the club.

That left wing position is one Arsenal have always felt they could improve, and as soon as the season ended, they placed Martinelli and Leandro Trossard on the market. The Gunners were therefore prepared to move on from the Brazilian despite his previous importance to the team.

Martinelli says goodbye to Arsenal

Martinelli turned down a move to Galatasaray, but Arsenal were keen for him to leave, and that encouraged Al Hilal to come forward with an interest in signing him. The Saudi Pro League side eventually managed to convince the Brazilian to join them.

He will now continue his career with Al Hilal, even though he had previously vowed to remain in Europe this season. The transfer took some time to be confirmed, but it has now happened, and Arsenal are happy to have completed the move.

The attacker has now shared a farewell message with Arsenal supporters on his Instagram, reflecting on his time with the Gunners and admitting that he was not ready to say goodbye.

Brazilian reflects on Arsenal spell

Martinelli wrote:

“The day has come, and honestly, I still don’t feel ready to write a goodbye, but I’ll try.

“When I arrived here, seven years ago, I was just a boy who had only recently turned 18. In my heart, I thought I would stay forever. But life is constantly changing, and sometimes our paths take us in directions different from the ones we had planned.”

The message highlights how much Martinelli’s life changed during his time with Arsenal. He arrived as a teenager and developed into an important member of the Gunners’ squad before eventually moving on.

His departure will be emotional for supporters who watched him develop at Arsenal. Martinelli will now begin a new chapter with Al Hilal, while the Gunners move forward with their reshaped squad for the new campaign.

This article first appeared on Just Arsenal and was syndicated with permission.

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