Gabriel Jesus says he has no plans to leave Arsenal before his current deal expires in 2027 – but admits that if he ever returns to Brazil, he’d only ever want to play for boyhood side Palmeiras.
The striker has also offered a positive update on his recovery from ACL surgery, revealing that 10 months after going under the knife, he’s finally back training on the grass.
Jesus had been in fine form at the turn of the year – scoring six goals in four games – before disaster struck during the FA Cup defeat to Manchester United on 12 January. It was a brutal setback for a player who’d already battled knee trouble on the other leg since his first season at the club and was only just finding rhythm and confidence again.
The road back has been long and frustrating, but Jesus, in quotes relayed by the Evening Standard, sounds upbeat about what’s ahead.
“I’m feeling great. My knee is responding very well. So now I’m looking forward to being around the team again soon, to come back to do what I love to do.
“It’s been too long. An injury like this, one that is so long, you split up the recovery periods into smaller timings.
“So now I’m at the stage where I need to hold myself back a little bit, because I’m doing great work outside on the pitches, but it’s tricky because I need to not rush myself too hard over the line.
“When you can see the end it’s important you don’t push too hard, keep my feet on the floor, and then as soon as the time comes, I will be ready.”
He added: “This one is the biggest injury I’ve had in my life, and it came when I was living my best moment outside the pitch.
“By that I mean I was preparing well, feeling chilled, eating good, sleeping well, recovering well and then it happens.”
In Jesus’ absence, Arsenal turned to Viktor Gyokeres to lead the line, while Kai Havertz’s early-season knee issue further limited options. The German is expected back next month, and when he returns, it’ll be interesting to see how Mikel Arteta juggles minutes up top.
In a separate interview with Placar, Jesus said he fully understood the club’s decision to bolster the attack while he was sidelined.
“I was in a great moment when I got injured. Obviously, the club couldn’t be at the mercy of just one player and would go after someone in my position, but that doesn’t affect my desire to win and win titles with Arsenal. On the contrary, my main focus is to return, and return well.
“There’s never been any contact with anyone at the club or my staff [about leaving]. Every day, the coach and the board say they’re eager for my return. I don’t see myself outside the club’s plans. My contract runs until 2027, and if it’s not renewed by then, I’ll be at the club at least until 2027.”
As for what might come next, Jesus didn’t rule out a future move to southern Europe — or a return home.
“I watch a lot of La Liga and Serie A matches, and I think they’re championships with beautiful gameplay. It certainly makes me want to try it, but my goal is to win titles with Arsenal.
“When I feel like returning to Brazil, which isn’t the case today, my desire is and always will be Palmeiras.”
Jesus came through the ranks at Palmeiras before sealing a big-money move to Manchester City in 2017, and while a homecoming may beckon one day, for now, his focus is firmly on making up for lost time in North London. It’ll be good to have him back.
The post “I need to not rush myself” – Jesus nears Arsenal return, rules out early exit appeared first on Arseblog News – the Arsenal news site.
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