Gabriel Jesus breaks silence on Arsenal exit as Barcelona transfer confirmed
Gabriel Jesus has broken his silence(Image: Barcelona on YouTube)
Gabriel Jesus has spoken for the first time following a deadline-day transfer from Arsenal to Barcelona.
football.london understands that the Catalan giants forked out an initial £8.6m, plus a further £4.3m in add-ons, for the 29-year-old striker, who had recently entered the final 12 months of his contract at the Emirates Stadium.
Speaking to reporters upon his unveiling on Tuesday afternoon, Jesus described the move to the Camp Nou, where he's signed a three-year deal, as a 'great opportunity'. As quoted by Marca, the Brazil international said: "It all happened very quickly.
"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."
READ MORE: Follow our live updates on transfer deadline day as Arsenal explore incomings and outgoings!
The Brazilian continued: "I believe in God and I was confident that something would happen. My faith in God is very strong. And 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.
"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. Now, it's time to start training and playing so that we can all be happy."
Jesus added: "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. 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."
On what position he expects to play under Hansi Flick, having previously enjoyed spells on the right for his country, Jesus said: "All my life I've played in three or four attacking positions, on the wing, in the middle... on both sides...
"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."
On the Barcelona boss, the former Arsenal forward said: "I haven't talked to him about tactics or what he wants from me yet. I have my own qualities; I'm not here to improve. I'm doing great. Everyone has a lot of quality, not just the strikers. The wingers too... I'm just one more. I'm here to help."
Gabriel Jesus has joined Barcelona(Image: David Ramos/Getty Images)
Jesus later revealed that he took a pay cut in order to get a deal over the line. He said: "Not only me, but Barça also made a great effort to make this signing happen. I lowered my salary significantly, but it's a dream to be here at Barcelona... God is always watching.
"After everything that's happened, at 29 years old, after everything I've been through... having the opportunity to be here is a blessing. I have the quality, I know it. I'm excited. I want to help. I'm grateful for the efforts of Deco, the president, my agents... but I wanted to play for Barça."
Before Barcelona signed Jesus, they had tried to sign Julian Alvarez from Atletico Madrid. When quizzed on the Catalan giants' interest in the Argentina international, he said: "It doesn't bother me when they say I'm just another option... it offends me when they say I'm a bad guy.
Gabriel Jesus has signed a three-year contract with Barcelona.(Image: Michael Regan/Getty Images For Premier League)
"It bothers me not to play. I have a real opportunity to be at Barça. I had it a few years ago, and life took me down a different path. But now it's a dream. I'm going to do my best.
"I work hard. I have the qualities, but I work hard. What people say from the outside doesn't matter to me. I have God, my wife, my children..."
Choose Football London as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.
