"Now, I’m free on the pitch" - Gabriel Jesus explains why he decided to join Arsenal from Manchester City in the summer
Gabriel Jesus has opened up on life at Arsenal following his £45 million move from Manchester City this summer.
The Brazilian attacker had fallen down the pecking order at the Etihad, and with the arrival of forwards Erling Haaland and Julian Alvarez, his game time was set to take a bigger hit. He was also often forced to play out of position.
Jesus thus decided that moving on would best suit his career, especially with the World Cup coming up later this year.
In a recent interview with ESPN Brasil (via Metro), the Brazil striker talked about how he eventually decided to leave Manchester City.
"The thing was the way [Guardiola] understands football and what he wanted. Then it was up to you to accept it or not. If you don’t accept it, ‘thank you’ and let’s go for another challenge.
"I accepted it for a while, but there came a moment when I said, ‘I want another thing for myself’. I thanked him, he understood, and we moved on."
Explaining the difference between life at Arsenal and City, Jesus went on to add:
"It is different here at Arsenal. The football is different – different players, different ways to play. At City, it was different. The striker didn’t touch the ball that much, you see this by watching the games.
"And, when it was time to touch the ball, it was not the striker, because [Guardiola] ended up putting a midfielder to come closer. OK, fine. So, I decided to change."
🗣️ Gabriel Jesus: "It is different here at #Arsenal. The football is different -- different players, different ways to play. At City, it was different. The striker didn't touch the ball that much, you see this by watching the games.”
[@ESPNBrasil] #afc https://t.co/DErT9Wu5ft
He also revealed how a discussion with manager Mikel Arteta made up his mind to move to the Emirates, saying:
"I talked a lot with Arteta about Arsenal’s style. He knows me, I know him, I understood what he wanted from me.
"Now, I’m free on the pitch, playing football with a smile on my face and trying to do my best all the time."
Gabriel Jesus is Arsenal's top scorer so far in the ongoing season
Gabriel Jesus has taken no time in settling down at Arsenal and has been among the goals. He is currently the Gunners' top-scorer this season with four goals in eight appearances across competitions. He has also provided three assists.
Gabriel Jesus vs Harry Kane 📊
Who will come out on top in the North London derby? 👀 https://t.co/h4ZyWHVqYU
The Brazil international will next be in action in the north London derby against Tottenham Hotspur, which is scheduled for Saturday, October 1.