Gabriel Jesus, Barcelona player
Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images
Gabriel Jesus has revealed how his move from Arsenal to Barcelona came together in the final days of the summer transfer window, describing a whirlwind period that took him from training on his own in London to joining the club he had wanted to represent for years.
The Brazilian had completed Arsenal’s pre-season but already suspected his opportunities would be limited.
Despite that uncertainty, he continued working with the squad until the situation changed and he was separated from his teammates.
“The truth is, I was training. I did the whole pre-season with Arsenal, as normal.
“Obviously, I already knew I probably wouldn’t be playing there or that I wouldn’t get many opportunities, but nobody had told me anything.
“Well, I’m a professional, you know, so obviously I carried on training with the squad,” said the forward, as per SPORT.
Gabriel Jesus was training alone
The situation then changed abruptly, leaving Gabriel Jesus to continue his preparations away from the main Arsenal group.
Gabriel Jesus, Barcelona player
Gabriel Jesus was training away from his Arsenal teammates. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
“Then, all of a sudden, they made me train on my own.
“I carried on training and giving it my all so that I’d be ready should I get the chance to play at the highest level again,” he added.
While British reports linked him with Everton and Italian media suggested Napoli were interested, neither possibility developed into the destination the Brazilian wanted.
Barcelona eventually emerged late in the window, changing the picture almost immediately.
Deco made Barcelona opportunity possible
Gabriel Jesus revealed that the negotiations accelerated rapidly once Barça entered the race, with Deco playing an important role in getting the transfer over the line.
“Everything happened very quickly in the last week,” said the striker.
“Deco’s work with the chairman, the club and my agent was incredible. From one day to the next, it became clear to us that I had the opportunity to come here,” he added.
Gabriel Jesus, Barcelona player
Jesus was linked to Premier League and Serie A moves too. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
The opportunity carried particular significance because Barcelona had previously come close to signing Jesus in 2016, when he was still emerging at Palmeiras. A decade later, the move finally became reality.
Gabriel Jesus said yes immediately
Once Barcelona made their offer, there was little hesitation from the forward. He instructed his representatives to do whatever was necessary to facilitate the transfer.
“Obviously, I said yes to Barça straight away.”
Barcelona subsequently made a significant financial effort to fit Gabriel Jesus into their wage structure and the Financial Fair Play allowance allocated for the deal.
For the Brazilian, the long-awaited move has finally happened after an unexpectedly dramatic final week of the transfer window.
“I’m very happy to be here,” he concluded.
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