Gabriel Jesus reveals childhood Barcelona obsession and names Real Madrid as his biggest challenge

Gabriel Jesus says his move to Barcelona fulfilled a childhood dream after admitting he used to miss school to watch the club play in the Champions League.

The Brazilian forward, who joined Barcelona at the start of the current season, discussed his first weeks at the club during a question-and-answer session with supporters on the club’s official channels.

Jesus also backed fellow Brazil international Raphinha to score a decisive goal in a Champions League final, describing his team-mate’s finishing as “crazy”.

“Raphinha is on fire, and the way he finishes chances is crazy,” said Jesus, in comments reported by Catalan newspaper Sport. “I knew him from the Brazil national team and already knew he was very good at finishing, but I think he has developed even more now.”

Settling in at Barcelona

Jesus said his early weeks at Barcelona had gone well, despite the team having no matches for three weeks during the latest international break.

“I found myself in a very good situation. It was a month of adapting,” he said. “I already knew some of the players I had played with before, so it was good to get to know everyone.”

“We have great players and a great manager, and we are moving in the right direction.”

The Brazilian also explained how strongly he had followed Barcelona from a young age.

“I am very happy to be at a club like this. I used to miss some lessons at school to watch Barcelona in the Champions League,” he said.

“I ended up wearing the Barcelona shirt, and that is something I thank God for. It is his will, and here I am.”

When asked which young player had impressed him most in the squad, Jesus selected Brian Farinas ahead of more widely known names including Lamine Yamal and Hamza Abdelkarim.

“I have already said that Farinas is the young player who surprised me most because everyone talks about Lamine, Gavi and Pedri. Everyone knows them, but not many people know Farinas,” he said.

“When I train with him every day, I see huge potential and a great future for him.”

Cancelo and Ronaldinho

Jesus named Joao Cancelo as both the funniest player in the dressing room and the team-mate closest to him.

“Cancelo is the funniest player in the team because of the way he talks and his personality. He is a good person and I have a great relationship with him,” he said.

“I have a good relationship with all my team-mates, but Cancelo and I have a long history. We talk a lot, so I choose him.”

He added that the dressing-room atmosphere had not surprised him because others had already told him it was one of the team’s strengths.

Jesus also cited Barcelona great Ronaldinho as a major influence.

“I knew Ronaldinho was a huge legend, but when I arrived here I realised how much help he had given. Many people choose him as the best Brazilian in Barcelona’s history, and he was also my idol at Barcelona.”

The forward said he could play in several positions but currently felt most comfortable as a number nine. He identified versatility and a winning mentality as his best qualities.

Real Madrid the ultimate test

Jesus said he was particularly eager to play in El Clasico against Real Madrid.

“The big challenge here is every match, but we always want to play the big games. There are Champions League matches, and El Clasico too. I want to play El Clasico one day. I choose that match as the biggest challenge,” he said.

Asked for the best advice he had received, Jesus replied: “The best advice I have had is to be yourself.”

He added that the biggest surprise since arriving had been the supporters, with hundreds sometimes waiting outside hotels to see the players.