Published 07/04/2022 08:11 / Updated 04/07/2022 11:36
(Credit: Oli SCARFF/AFP)
London, UK- Arsenal officially announced, on Monday (4/7), the signing of Brazilian striker Gabriel Jesus, from Manchester City, in a deal amounting to 45 million pounds ($54 million).
Gabriel, 25, who scored 95 goals in 236 games over five seasons at City, has signed a “long-term contract” with Arsenal. He decided to leave the Premier League champions in search of more time to play.
The Brazilian will meet again at Arsenal with coach Mikel Arteta, who was an assistant to Pep Guardiola, director of City, before taking over the London club.
“I am very excited,” Arteta said. “The club has done a great job to sign a player of this caliber.”
“I know Gabriel well personally, and we all know him well because of his time in the Premier League, where he was successful,” the Spanish coach added.
“He occupies a position that has been on our radar for a long time and now we have been able to bring in a player that we all wanted.”
In turn, the Brazilian was also happy with his arrival in the London team.
– Like Henry –
“I followed Arsenal when I was a boy in Brazil because of Thierry Henry,” Gabriel said, referring to French idol Arsenal.
“Obviously I didn’t follow many European teams, but when I saw some of the players who were at Arsenal, I thought it was a great club,” he added.
He explained, “I am very happy to join this club. Because I knew I could play for Arsenal, I was very happy.”
He concluded by saying, “I know the coaching staff, I know the players and the Brazilians. I know that they have many good players.”
The odds of Gabriel Jesus staying at City were not good, as the Manchester side signed Norwegian striker Erling Haaland and Argentine Julian Alvarez.
The Brazilian has won eight titles – including four in the Premier League – with Manchester City since joining the club in January 2017.
