What Gabriel Jesus said about Man City career as he completes Arsenal transfer

The striker spoke about his time at the Etihad after being confirmed as he departed Manchester City.

Gabriel Jesus has been announced as an Arsenal player. Credit: Getty.

Gabriel Jesus has thanked everyone at Manchester City after he completed a transfer to Arsenal.

It was widely reported the attacker would seal a £45m move to the Gunners, and footage even leaked of him in the club’s jersey on Friday ahead of the deal being completed.

But the move was announced on Monday morning with the North London club confirming Jesus will wear the No.9 jersey.

Jesus leaves the Etihad after five and half years as Manchester City player. Credit: Getty.

Speaking in his farewell interview, Jesus told City’s media department: “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 team-mates and the fans – for all the support they have given me over the past five-and-a-half years. City will in my heart forever.”

Jesus joins Arteta at the Etihad. Credit: Getty.

Jesus joined City in 2017, signing from Palmeiras. He went on to make 233 senior appearances and scored 95 goals in that time.

The Brazilian also won four league titles at the Etihad, as well as four League Cups, and the FA Cup in 2019.

Jesus joins Mikel Arteta at the Emirates, with the pair knowing each other well from the Spaniard’s time as Pep Guardiola’s assistant at City.

Following the announcement on Monday, Arteta said he was thrilled to add a quality striker to his ranks: “I’m very excited. The club has done a tremendous job to recruit a player of this stature,” he told Arsenal’s website.

“I know Gabriel personally very well, and we all know him well from his time in the Premier League and being really successful here.

"This is a position that’s been on our radar for a long time now and we have managed to get a player that we all wanted, so I’m really happy.”

Jesus is the second major departure from last season’s title-winning squad, with Fernandinho heading to Athletico Paranaense on a free transfer after his contract expired at the club.

However, Raheem Sterling has also been strongly linked with a move to Chelsea, and negotiations are expected to ramp up this week.