Mikel Arteta sends message to Gabriel Martinelli after 'disrespectful' Arsenal exit

Mikel Arteta has described Gabriel Martinelli as a ‘critical player’ for Arsenal (PA Wire)

Mikel Arteta insists Gabriel Martinelli has been a ‘critical player’ for Arsenal following his move to Al-Hilal.

Martinelli joined Arsenal at the age of 18 and went on to score 62 goals in 278 appearances for the Gunners.

However, Arsenal and Arteta received strong criticism over the handling of Martinelli’s exit, with Ian Wright accusing his former club of being ‘disrespectful’ to the Brazilian winger.

‘For him to be nowhere near it [the squad], it makes me feel sad for him,’ Wright said after Arsenal’s win over Coventry City last month.

‘I’m just saying I think he’s done enough with this team, with this squad, to be treated with a little bit more respect than he’s being treated at the moment.’

Martinelli completed his €70 million (£60 million) move to Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal this week and eagled-eyed Arsenal supporters noticed that Arteta was omitted from his farewell message from the club which was posted on social media.

Ian Wright criticised Arsenal over their handling of Gabriel Martinelli’s exit (Getty)

Arteta, meanwhile, paid tribute to Martinelli following his Arsenal departure.

‘With great gratitude, it’s been a pleasure to work with him, to be part of this journey with him,’ Arteta said.

‘The Gabi that I met and the Gabi that just left, it’s a huge transformation, both in the personal side and in the professional side.

‘I think the impact that he had for the club, his ambition, his love for the game and the way he has, I think, helped us to grow and achieve our goals.