Gabriel Jesus Details Why He left Manchester City For Arsenal. Gabriel Jesus explained why he needed a change after five years at Manchester City and discussed the freedom he has at Arsenal.
The 25-year-old joined Arsenal from Manchester City in a €52.2 million deal during the summer transfer window. This season, he has thrived in a pivotal role in Mikel Arteta’s attack. In seven games, he has four goals and three assists, helping Arsenal to the top of the Premier League.
Meanwhile, at City, Jesus was frequently used as a wide forward because manager Pep Guardiola preferred to use a false nine.
“The thing was the way [Guardiola] understands football and what he wanted,” Jesus told ESPN Brasil.
“Then it was up to you to accept it or not. If you don’t accept it, ‘thank you’ and let’s go for another challenge. I accepted it for a while, but there came a moment when I said: ‘I want another thing for myself.’ I thanked him, ‘thanks for everything,’ he understood, and we moved on.”
“It is different here at Arsenal. The football is different — different players, different ways to play,” Jesus continued.
“At City, it was different. The striker didn’t touch the ball that much, you see this by watching the games. And, when it was time to touch the ball, it was not the striker, because [Guardiola] ended up putting a midfielder to come closer. OK, fine. So, I decided to change.”
On Arteta, with whom Jesus previously collaborated at City while serving as Guardiola’s assistant, the Brazilian added: 
“I talked a lot with Arteta about Arsenal’s style.”
“He knows me, I know him, I understood what he wanted from me. Now, I’m free on the pitch, playing football with a smile on my face and trying to do my best all the time.”
Jesus will make his Arsenal debut against Tottenham Hotspur at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday.