Top News

Gabriel Jesus has launched a fierce criticism of the Arsenal hierarchy, laying out his frustration over the way his abrupt exit to Barcelona unfolded. The Brazilian forward said he was kept completely uninformed by the Premier League club before being made to train away from the first-team squad in his final days in north London.

Marginalised at the Emirates

Jesus has now spoken publicly for the first time about his high-profile move from Arsenal to Barcelona, offering a pointed assessment of the English club's handling of the situation. The forward described a communication breakdown in the closing weeks of his spell at the Emirates Stadium, indicating that his professionalism was met with a sudden and unexplained distancing by those in charge.

Jesus forced to train alone

The Brazil international described the baffling nature of his final training sessions in London, saying he was pushed to one side without any formal conversation about his future or his place in Mikel Arteta's plans.

"The truth is, I was training, I did the entire preseason normally with Arsenal, and I already knew that, probably, I wouldn't play as much or wouldn't have as many opportunities. But nobody told me anything," Jesus told SportyTV. "I'm a professional, obviously I was training with the group, and out of nowhere they put me to train apart from the group."

The former Manchester City forward made clear his confusion at being removed from the main group, particularly because he believed he was physically ready for the new season. Jesus insisted he stayed committed to his fitness and professional responsibilities, even once it became obvious that the club was heading in another direction.

"I was doing my maximum [in training] to be ready, in case I got the chance to play at a high level again, and then in the last week [everything happened] very quick," Jesus added, looking back on how rapidly his circumstances at the club worsened.

A sudden Blaugrana lifeline

As his situation at Arsenal became impossible because of his exclusion from first-team activity, a solution arrived quickly through interest from the Catalan giants. Jesus said the switch to Camp Nou was made possible by top-level talks involving the Barcelona board, who moved decisively as soon as they learned he was available.

Jesus said the speed of the transfer was down to the intervention of Barcelona sporting director Deco and the club president, both of whom personally made contact to complete the deal during a frantic final week of the window. "The work of Deco, the president [of Barcelona], and the club... My agent was amazing. When we were sure that I had the opportunity to come, obviously I said yes straight away, no matter what. Now I'm so happy to be here," the striker concluded.

Looking ahead to life in La Liga

Now settled in Spain, Jesus is concentrating on reigniting his career in La Liga. The transfer marks an important new phase for the 29-year-old, who joined Arsenal in 2022 amid major expectations. Although his spell in London featured flashes of brilliance and an important role in the club's revival, the sour nature of his departure has plainly left its impact.

For Arsenal, Jesus's exit signals the close of a chapter as the club continues reshaping its attacking options. For the player, though, the move to Barcelona offers a chance to answer his critics and demonstrate that he is still capable of competing at the highest level in European football.