Gabriel Jesus has revealed he was made to train away from his Arsenal teammates in the days leading up to his surprise summer move to Barcelona. The Brazilian striker left the Emirates Stadium at the end of the transfer window to join the Spanish giants, ending a four-year spell in North London during which he won the Premier League but was limited to 123 appearances by injuries.
Jesus on being separated from the group
Speaking to SportyTV, Jesus said he completed the full pre-season with Arsenal as normal but already sensed he would not get many opportunities. He explained that nobody told him directly, but he was then separated from the group without warning.
“So, the truth is, I was training, I did all the pre-season with Arsenal as normal. Obviously, I knew already that probably I would not play there or get many opportunities, but nobody told me nothing. Well, I am a professional. Obviously I was training with the group. Then, from nothing, they put me to train away from the group,” he said.
How the Barcelona move came together
Jesus described the final week of the window as very quick, praising the work of Barcelona sporting director Deco, the club president and his agent. He said the opportunity to join Barcelona was confirmed in a single day and that he accepted immediately.
“The work with Deco, the president of the club, and my agent was amazing. In one day, it was sure that I would have the opportunity to come (to Barcelona). I said yes, straight away, no matter what and I am so happy to be here,” he added.
Arteta’s message and Jesus’ debut
After the move was confirmed, Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta thanked Jesus, saying he was a massive contributor to changing the dynamic and energy around the club. Arteta said Jesus brought belief and aura that helped achieve what followed, and wished him well at one of the biggest clubs in the world.
Jesus, 29, has already made his Barcelona debut, coming on as a substitute in the 5-0 win over Valencia. He could make his second appearance on Wednesday evening when Barcelona face Feyenoord in the Champions League. Arsenal, meanwhile, begin their European campaign against Napoli after losing last season’s Champions League final to Paris Saint-Germain.
