Gabriel Jesus reveals difficult Arsenal spell before completing Barcelona move

Gabriel Jesus has described the difficult circumstances surrounding his departure from Arsenal before joining Barcelona for €10m in the final days of last summer’s transfer window.

The Brazil striker, 29, made his Barcelona debut on Sunday, coming on as his new side completed a 5-0 victory over Valencia in La Liga.

Jesus moved from Arsenal in the final deal of Barcelona’s summer recruitment campaign. His arrival followed the failure of the Catalan club to complete a move for Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez.

After making his first appearance for Barcelona at Mestalla, Jesus explained how the transfer came about and spoke about the challenging final period of his time at Arsenal.

“The truth is that I was training,” Jesus said, according to Mundo Deportivo. “I completed the whole pre-season with Arsenal, as usual. Obviously, I already knew that I probably would not play there or that I would not get many opportunities, but nobody told me that.”

Jesus said he initially continued working with the Arsenal squad despite being aware that his opportunities were likely to be limited.

“I am a professional player, as you know, so I continued training with the group,” he added. “Then, suddenly, they made me train on my own. I carried on training and gave my best to be ready in case I got the chance to play at the highest level again.”

The Brazil international praised Barcelona sporting director Deco for helping him fulfil his ambition of playing for the club.

“We knew that I had the chance to come, and I said yes immediately, whatever happened,” Jesus said. “I am extremely happy to be here.”

Jesus’ transfer represented the final addition to Barcelona’s squad during the summer window after the club’s pursuit of Alvarez did not succeed. He then had to wait until the emphatic win over Valencia to make his first appearance in Barcelona colours.

The forward’s first minutes came at Mestalla, where Barcelona secured a five-goal victory in the Spanish top flight. His comments offered an explanation of the circumstances that preceded his move, including his separation from Arsenal’s group training during the closing stage of his spell in London.

Despite the uncertainty surrounding his future, Jesus said he maintained his fitness and continued to prepare for another opportunity to perform at the highest level. That opportunity eventually arrived with Barcelona, who completed his signing for €10m before the summer transfer window closed.

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