New signing Gabriel Jesus has revealed that the opportunity to work under Mikel Arteta once again was a huge factor in his decision to join the club from Manchester City.
In his first interview after putting pen to paper to seal his move to north London, the Brazilian striker was full of praise for his new manager, whom he spent three years with at the Etihad Stadium during Arteta’s time as assistant to Pep Guardiola.
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Giving an insight into the pair’s recent discussions, Jesus said: “We spoke a couple of times about the club, the players, the project and the future. I believe 100 per cent in Mikel. I had a very good time with him before, he’s a very good guy and a very good coach as well.
“He helped me a lot [at Manchester City]. We would always stick together after the training sessions and do some finishing or something. He’s a very intelligent guy and was an amazing player, so if he knows something he can teach me or the young players.”
Another factor in the 25-year-old’s decision-making process was the size of the club he was joining, with Jesus revealing he used to enjoy watching Arsenal teams when he was growing up in Sao Paulo, especially one player in particular.
“I followed Arsenal when I was young because of [Thierry] Henry,” Jesus added. “Obviously I didn’t follow too many European teams but when I saw some of the players that played here, I was like “wow, this club is big.” When I played against Arsenal I was looking at the Emirates and it was a very good stadium, so I’m very excited to play here.
“I’m so happy to sign for this big club. Since day one when I knew I could come to play for Arsenal, I was happy. I know the staff, I know some players, the Brazilian ones. I know there are a lot of top players. They are young and I’m still young as well, so I am so happy to be here to help. I come to help, to learn as well and to try to do my best.”
Despite being the latest addition to a youthful Gunners squad, Jesus arrives with an impressive pedigree. Four Premier League titles, four domestic cups, a Copa America and an Olympic gold medal are just some of the silverware he has already collected, and he wants to bring that winning attitude into the dressing room ahead of an exciting 2022/23 campaign for his new club.
Giving an insight into his character, the striker said: “Since my first day at a professional team with Palmeiras I had that mentality which comes from inside of me, my heart. I started to play to win with Palmeiras, then the Brazilian Olympic team and national team, and then City.
“We have to go at it with everyone together, there’s no other way to win things. When you have a good relationship outside of the pitch, inside works automatically, and that’s my mentality.”
To hear more from our latest recruit, click play on the video at the top of the page.
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