Gabriel Jesus has admitted he’s taken a significant pay cut to seal a move from Arsenal to Barcelona.
Mundo Deportivo report comments from the Brazilian striker after he completed a surprise move to Camp Nou this week.
Pay cut for Arsenal exit
The 29-year-old was announced by Barcelona today, holding a press conference to discuss his move to Spain. And he admits that he took a considerable pay cut to seal the move.
“Yes, I did take a pay cut – a significant one – but for me, this is a dream,” the forward explained. “It wasn’t just me; Barça made a huge effort to make this signing happen.”
The Brazilian then acknowledged that salary wasn’t an issue when the possibility of joining Barcelona arose just a few days ago.
“If you had asked me a month ago, this possibility would have seemed very unlikely,” he added.
“But God is watching over me. At 29 years old, and after everything that has happened over the last two years, having the chance to play for Barça is thanks only to God.
“I’m excited and I’ll always want to help. When I found out I could come here, I knew for sure that I wanted to play for Barça.”
Injury concerns gone
The now former Arsenal man was also keen to insist that any physical issues which have hampered him in recent years are now behind him.
The forward endured a difficult time at the Emirates, missing 17 games in 2023 and then 46 in 2025 with a cruciate ligament tear. He has also regularly been hampered by knee injuries stemming from that original one in 2023.
That has naturally been raised as he’s arrived at Barcelona, but he wanted to play down any fears.
“I’m doing very well – physically, I’m in great shape. The knee is no longer an issue,” he concluded.
“The situation regarding the injury is clear. The last two years have been very difficult. The knee injury kept me out for almost a year. I recovered very well and returned to playing at a high level with Arsenal. My knee and my body are fine – ready to give my best,”
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