Gabriel Jesus wants to forget his own pain by helping Arsenal to an “amazing achievement.”
Jesus, 27, made a shock admission on the eve of Arsenal’s Champions League quarter-final with Bayern Munich that he cannot remember the last time he played without pain. Brazil striker Jesus has been plagued by a knee problem since the World Cup in 2022 and had to undergo surgery, endured a setback and has even had several flare-ups of swelling in recent games.
But Jesus is clearly driven by the business end of the season as he was back for Arsenal’s key game at title rivals Manchester City and has a prolific record in the Champions League. For him, it is all about being fit and ready to go for the big games that matter and he is coming back to form at just the right time. He has never won the Champions League – but has got it in his sights now.
Jesus said: “I don’t remember the last day I played football without pain so I cannot complain. I’m just trying to recover good to be ready. I personally don’t normally want to talk about my fitness. After the World Cup I had that injury in my knee and I recovered so well, but had a setback after the pre-season.
“I played in like three 90 minute games in a row and again a pain in the knee. Then after training, I had a kick in the knee. I’m just trying to get fit and help Arsenal as soon as I can. Unfortunately, I’ve been having some problems and people don’t always see that. But mentally, I try to be strong in my mind. That’s it.”
Jesus was a huge building block for Arteta in his Arsenal plan because he brought with him title-winning experience from Manchester City and also a proven track record in the Champions League. That mentality should be vital for the run-in for both Europe and the Premier League but it is also something that excites him.
Jesus said: “That’s the best part of the season, you know, for everyone who is still alive in the Champions League and fighting for the Premier League. Now it’s the decisive games, the details time. Everyone is fit again and I hope everyone can give extra and help the team.
“I grew up watching the Premier League. I think all the players here want it. We are in the quarter finals, anything can happen. If we can minimise the small details we’ll have a bigger chance. There are still big games with a battle to play, but let’s see.
“It will be an amazing achievement but it’s early to think like this. We have to think of every game like a final. We have to be there every game fighting.” Jesus has done a job for the team – he says he has “put his ego to one side” – to play on the left with Kai Havertz in prolific form down the middle.
But that has opened the door for suggestions that Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta and technical director Edu will look to sign a new No9 this summer, although that does not worry Jesus.
He added: “They already know if they want (another striker) or not. Maybe this question is for them. My job is to work and train hard, to Improve what I have to improve, to win the games and to help Arsenal win trophies.
“The speculation will always be there. Not just here, but every club. People want to decide who the club should sign, but this doesn’t just happen with Arsenal but with lots of clubs.”
