Gabriel Jesus was officially revealed as a Gooner on Monday morning. Arsenal certainly wasted no time in making the announcement.
After Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette left the team this summer, the Brazilian was long considered a top target, but the Gunners had to defeat a number of opponents to sign the forward.
The new number nine for Arsenal outlined his reasons for choosing to join the Gunners this summer in his first interview with the team.
He began by citing manager Mikel Arteta as being crucial to his decision-making. After working as Guardiola’s assistant for three years at City with Jesus, the Spaniard was able to persuade the 25-year-old to support his ambition at the Emirates.
Jesus discussed Arteta’s impact, saying: “We had a few conversations regarding the team, the players, the project, and the future. I have complete faith in Mikel. He’s a really good man and a great coach, and I had a great time with him previously.
“He was a big help to me at Manchester City.” Following the training sessions, we would always stay together and do some finishing or other activity. He was a fantastic player and a very educated man; if he knows anything, he can pass it along to me or the younger players.
Jesus also mentioned the influence of a certain king in north London and his previous affection for Arsenal.
“I was a young Arsenal fan because of [Thierry] Henry,” the Brazilian remarked. “I obviously didn’t follow many European teams, but I thought this club was really big when I saw some of the players that played here.” I was thrilled to play at the Emirates since it looked like a really nice stadium when I played against Arsenal.
“I’m overjoyed to join this prominent club. I was pleased from the moment I realized I could come play for Arsenal. I am familiar with the personnel and a few of the Brazilian players. I am aware that there are many elite players. Since I am still young and they are young, I am delighted to be of assistance to them. I come to help, to learn, and to give it my all.
