OFFICIAL: Gabriel Jesus joins Arsenal from Manchester City – "I just want to say thank you..."

City Report

·4 July 2022

OFFICIAL: Gabriel Jesus joins Arsenal from Manchester City – "I just want to say thank you..."

Manchester City have announced the departure of Gabriel Jesus to Arsenal for a reported fee of £45 million. The Brazilian joins the Gunners on a five-year deal after five and a half years at the Etihad Stadium.

The Brazilian will be linking with former City assistant manager Mikel Arteta, who is understood to have played a crucial part in bringing the player to the Emirates alongside Gunners technical director Edu.

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Photo courtesy of Arsenal

Jesus arrived in Manchester mid-way through the 2016/17 season and made an immediate impact despite only arriving as a 19-year-old from Palmeiras. His time in North West England saw him establish himself in the Brazil national team and pick up an abundance of silverware.

The now 25-year-old forward picked up four Premier League titles, four League Cups, two Community Shields, and an FA Cup during his time with the Blues, scoring 95 goals and assisting another 46 in 236 appearances.

Most notable of the strikes was undoubtedly that in Southampton on the final day of the 2017/18 season, which capped a remarkable, record-breaking season and sealed the club's Centurions title as they became the only side to have ever amassed 100 points in the English top-flight.

Memorable goals and performances against top opposition over the years, including the likes of Liverpool, Real Madrid and Chelsea, highlight why Pep Guardiola would turn to the Brazilian in the biggest games, and the Catalan often praised him for his selflessness and ability to press tirelessly as the first line of defence.

However, Jesus was unable to cement himself as an undisputed starter facing competition from the club's greatest ever goalscorer in Sergio Aguero and, more recently, a preference for the false nine system.

With the World Cup in Qatar approaching and Erling Haaland joining the ranks, a change was necessary to secure regular game time – and Arsenal have managed to convince Jesus that they can offer him what he is looking for.

Speaking to mancity.com, Jesus looked over his hugely successful time at the club and thanked the fans:

"I’m happy to have been here almost six years. I just want to say thank you. I want them [the fans] to be happy forever because this club is amazing, this club is special. I have a good relationship with all of the players, staff, coaches and everyone at City. I wish all the best for the fans and the club. I will miss Manchester a little bit because I spent almost six years here and I know everything. I think I’m a better player and a better person as well."

"It’s been a pleasure to play for Manchester City. I feel like I am a better player now than when I arrived – and to win 11 trophies has been amazing. My four Premier League titles are particularly special for me. I want to thank everyone at City – the manager, my teammates and the fans – for all the support they have given me over the past five-and-a-half years."

Director of Football Txiki Begiristain spoke glowingly and praised the forward's contribution:

"His hard work and dedication to this club cannot be questioned. He has been a brilliant servant and I have no doubt he will continue to be a success."

City Report would like to wish Gabriel Jesus the very best in his next adventure and thank him for the contributions he made as a key component in one of the greatest sides English football has ever seen.