Gabriel Jesus says he decided to accept a pay cut in order to realise a childhood ‘dream’ of playing for Barcelona – an opportunity that he assumed had passed him by.
The 29-year-old forward made it clear he was keen to explore possible opportunities elsewhere at the start of the summer having fallen down the pecking order under Mikel Arteta at Arsenal.
Napoli had been credited with a strong interest in Jesus but Barca muscled themselves into the driving seat once it emerged that Atletico Madrid were not prepared to do business for their top target Julian Alvarez.
It’s understood the La Liga champions shook hands on a deal with Arsenal worth in the region of £8.6million and the Brazil international has put pen to paper on a three-year contract at the Camp Nou.
Exclusive Premier League previews
Get ahead of the start of the season with our weekly football newsletter. Sign up now for free.
Jesus was officially unveiled by Barca at a press conference this afternoon, with the attacker pictured holding aloft the club’s famous blue and garnet strip emblazoned with his name and the year ‘2029’.
‘Good afternoon everyone. I’ve played with many Spaniards and I’m going to try to do this presentation in Spanish,’ a beaming Jesus told reporters.
‘Everything has happened very quickly. I’ve had two difficult years,
but you all know my qualities and how I can help. That’s made things easier.
‘I’m really looking forward to being here at a club as big as Barca.
‘I want to thank sporting director Deco and the president Joan Laporta.’
Jesus has not played a competitive match of club or international football since starting and scoring in Arsenal’s 2-1 victory over Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park at the end of last season.
To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web
browser that
supports HTML5
video
During his five-year spell with the Gunners, Jesus sustained two serious knee injuries, with the latter keeping him sidelined for 11 months.
His last contract with the north Londoners had been due to expire at the end of the 2026/27 campaign.
‘I want to make an impact on the pitch,’ Jesus added.
‘I was watching the game yesterday at the Camp Nou and all I could see were the good things.
‘I wanted to be there, helping my team-mates, who have so much quality.
Regarding injuries, the last couple of years have been very difficult.
‘After my knee injury, I was out for a year, but apart from that, I’m doing very well.
‘My knee isn’t a problem and it’s in the past. I came back to playing very well. The technical aspect is different. My knee is fine, and I’m ready to give it my all.’
Asked how he felt about rumours he was Barca’s plan B for Alvarez, Jesus replied: ‘It doesn’t bother me.
‘What offends me is when they say I’m not good and it bothers me not to be playing football.
‘Now I’ve had a real opportunity to be here. I had an opportunity [to join Barca] a few years ago too, but life took me down a different path.
‘I always want to do better and I’m a hard worker. What comes from outside doesn’t matter to me because I have God, my wife, and my friends, who love me.’
To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web
browser that
supports HTML5
video
Jesus confirmed he had taken a pay cut to push through a move to Catalonia, ten years after coming close to joining the club when he was a teenage prospect at Palmeiras.
‘It’s not just me. Barca has also made a huge effort to make this move happen. I’ve taken a significant pay cut. It’s a dream to be here,’ he explained.
‘If you had asked me a month ago, I would have told you it was very difficult. At 29, I didn’t think I’d have the chance to be here at Barca and help the team. It’s all up to God.
‘I’m really excited to be here. Thanks to Deco, the president, and my agent. I said, “I want to play for Barca”, I’m going to give it my all.’
The former Manchester City star – who won three four Premier League titles under Pep Guardiola – revealed that he had spoken with a number of players who had told him ‘very good things’ about the club.
He added: ‘I spoke with Raphinha when everything was almost finalised. It all happened very quickly. He wrote to me and we were able to talk.
‘I’ve also spoken with Joao Canelo, Eric Garcia, and Rodri from City. They’ve all told me very good things about Barcelona and the club.’
Jesus continued: ‘Many Brazilian legends have played here.
‘I’ve said it many times: I used to skip school to watch Ronaldinho, Deco… play in the Champions League. Especially Ronaldinho, who was one of the greatest Brazilians in history.’
Jesus went on to stress just how ‘excited’ he was to join up with his new team-mates in training for the first time.
He will no doubt be looking to put his hand up for selection over the coming days ahead of Barca’s next La Liga clash away to Valencia.
The Catalan giants have kicked off their title defence in imperious fashion, swatting aside Elche, Athletic Bilbao and Rayo Vallecano in their three opening contests.
Hansi Flick’s men have netted 12 times in those games while conceding only twice, putting them above Real Madrid on goal difference at the top of the table.
For more stories like this, check our sport page.
Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.