Gabriel Jesus Excited To Join Barcelona, Calls Move ‘Great Opportunity’
Brazil international Gabriel Jesus has expressed his excitement after completing his move from Arsenal to Spanish giants Barcelona.
The 29-year-old striker joined the Catalan club in a deal reportedly worth an initial £8.6 million, with a further £4.3 million potentially payable in add-ons. He has signed a three-year contract with Barcelona.
Speaking during his unveiling on Tuesday, Jesus described the move as a major opportunity after what he admitted had been a difficult period at Arsenal.
“It all happened very quickly,” Jesus said.
“Everyone knows me. I had two difficult years, but my qualities are well known, and this situation made things easier. I’m very excited to be at such a big club. I’m grateful to Deco and Flick for the signing.”
Jesus, who struggled for regular playing time at Arsenal in recent seasons, said his strong faith helped him remain confident that a new opportunity would eventually emerge.
“I believe in God and I was confident that something would happen. My faith in God is very strong,” he added.
“I knew that if I did things right, anything can happen. I’ve worked very hard. I was on the sidelines at Arsenal, but I was hoping for good things.”
According to Jesus, he only became aware that a move to Barcelona was possible about a week before the transfer was completed.
“A week ago, I received a message that this transfer might happen. I thought it was a great opportunity and I was happy. I was excited,” he said.
“Now, it’s time to start training and playing so that we can all be happy.”
The former Manchester City forward also dismissed concerns about his fitness, insisting that a serious knee injury that kept him out for almost a year is now firmly behind him.
“My last two years were complicated after the knee injury. I was out for almost a year. But I’m very fit physically; my knee isn’t a problem. It’s in the past,” Jesus said.
“I recovered well. I played well at Arsenal. I didn’t play for other reasons. But physically, I’m very fit. Ready to give it my all.”
Jesus is also expected to provide Barcelona manager Hansi Flick with considerable attacking flexibility.
Although primarily a striker, the Brazilian has regularly operated on both wings throughout his career.
“All my life I’ve played in three or four attacking positions, on the wing, in the middle, on both sides,” he explained.
“I didn’t discuss my position with the manager. But I’m here to help. My position is striker, but I’ve also played on the wing for 30 or 40 per cent of my career.
“I thank God for being able to play in three or four positions.”
The 29-year-old striker joined the Catalan club in a deal reportedly worth an initial £8.6 million, with a further £4.3 million potentially payable in add-ons. He has signed a three-year contract with Barcelona.
Speaking during his unveiling on Tuesday, Jesus described the move as a major opportunity after what he admitted had been a difficult period at Arsenal.
“It all happened very quickly,” Jesus said.
“Everyone knows me. I had two difficult years, but my qualities are well known, and this situation made things easier. I’m very excited to be at such a big club. I’m grateful to Deco and Flick for the signing.”
Jesus, who struggled for regular playing time at Arsenal in recent seasons, said his strong faith helped him remain confident that a new opportunity would eventually emerge.
“I believe in God and I was confident that something would happen. My faith in God is very strong,” he added.
“I knew that if I did things right, anything can happen. I’ve worked very hard. I was on the sidelines at Arsenal, but I was hoping for good things.”
According to Jesus, he only became aware that a move to Barcelona was possible about a week before the transfer was completed.
“A week ago, I received a message that this transfer might happen. I thought it was a great opportunity and I was happy. I was excited,” he said.
“Now, it’s time to start training and playing so that we can all be happy.”
The former Manchester City forward also dismissed concerns about his fitness, insisting that a serious knee injury that kept him out for almost a year is now firmly behind him.
“My last two years were complicated after the knee injury. I was out for almost a year. But I’m very fit physically; my knee isn’t a problem. It’s in the past,” Jesus said.
“I recovered well. I played well at Arsenal. I didn’t play for other reasons. But physically, I’m very fit. Ready to give it my all.”
Jesus is also expected to provide Barcelona manager Hansi Flick with considerable attacking flexibility.
Although primarily a striker, the Brazilian has regularly operated on both wings throughout his career.
“All my life I’ve played in three or four attacking positions, on the wing, in the middle, on both sides,” he explained.
“I didn’t discuss my position with the manager. But I’m here to help. My position is striker, but I’ve also played on the wing for 30 or 40 per cent of my career.
“I thank God for being able to play in three or four positions.”
