Gabriel Martinelli has recalled meeting and taking a picture with Paul Pogba at Manchester United before signing for Arsenal.
The young Brazilian was at Ituano at the time, and between 2015 and 2017 visited United's Carrington training ground on four separate occasions.
On one visit Martinelli met Pogba in the canteen and posed for a picture with him.
The Brazilian was later the subject of intense transfer interest, with no fewer than 25 clubs keen on signing him.
Arsenal ended up beating United to the punch due to the way in which they "came in strong".
Recalling meeting Pogba at Carrington, Martinelli told DAZN, via Sport Witness: "There was a project between Ituano and Manchester United, and they always took a player. And I always came for these trips.
"I could neither speak English nor French, but he said 'tudo bem' and took the picture with me nicely, he was super humble. Those training days were super important for me to adapt to the style of play, the players. How fast the game is here."
Arsenal declared their interest in Martinelli in the summer transfer window, and after winning the race for his signature snapped him up for just £6million.
"I remember we played against Guarani, we won 2-1, and my agent called me," Martinelli added.
He said 'you have to decide, so what?'. Then he said it was Arsenal. Then you think, one of the best clubs in Europe. I said yes, I couldn't refuse.
"There were some approaches, but Arsenal came in strong, and I made the right choice to be here."
