Gabriel Jesus has delivered a clear and emotional message about his future at Arsenal, insisting he has no intention of leaving the club following his return from a long-term injury. The Brazilian striker revealed that he was previously advised to consider a move elsewhere, but he firmly rejected the idea, believing his journey in north London is far from complete.
After nearly a year on the sidelines recovering from a serious anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury, Jesus finally returned to competitive action earlier this year. His comeback marked the end of a grueling rehabilitation period that tested both his physical and mental resilience.
“I feel like there is something unfinished for me at Arsenal,” Jesus said. “I don’t want to leave.”
The 27-year-old admitted that suggestions to move abroad were presented to him during his recovery, including the possibility of lucrative offers from Saudi Arabia or a return to Brazil. However, he was unequivocal in his response.
“People asked me, ‘Why don’t you just leave? You could go to Saudi Arabia. Or why not go back to Brazil?’” he explained. “One day, yes, I want to return to Palmeiras, but not now.”
Chasing Titles, Not Just Goals
Before suffering his injury in January, Jesus had begun to rediscover his best form. He scored six goals in seven appearances, showing sharpness and confidence that had been missing earlier in the season. His return has already had an impact, including a recent match against Club Brugge, followed by a Premier League outing where his pressure forced Yerson Mosquera into scoring an own goal during Arsenal’s victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Despite his contributions, competition for places has intensified. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta recently strengthened his attacking options by signing Viktor Gyökeres, while Kai Havertz and Mikel Merino also provide alternatives in advanced roles.
For Jesus, however, personal statistics have never been the primary motivation.
“When I came here to work with Mikel, my goal wasn’t just to score goals,” he said. “My goal was to win trophies.”
He reflected on his early days in England, recalling how he was often misunderstood.
“When I arrived in the Premier League, I think many people reacted by saying, ‘Who is this guy?’ They saw me only as a goal scorer. But I’ve never seen myself that way. My biggest strength is that I will do whatever it takes to help the team win titles.”
A Team-First Mentality Shaped at Manchester City
Jesus’ outlook was forged during his time atManchester City, where he learned to adapt under different tactical demands. Rather than being defined solely as a traditional number nine, he embraced multiple roles.
“At City, I played in many different ways,” he explained. “Sometimes I shared the goal-scoring responsibility. Other times I played wide, or used my physicality to link play and help others. I don’t always have to be a pure striker to help the team.”
That versatility remains a key asset for Arteta, even as Arsenal’s attacking structure evolves. Jesus’ willingness to press, track back, and create space for teammates aligns closely with the manager’s tactical philosophy.
“I’m not here because of the weather,” Jesus added. “I’m here to make history.”
Havertz Injury Setback Creates Opportunity
Arsenal’s attacking plans have been complicated by a setback suffered by Kai Havertz, who is reportedly facing another delay in his recovery. The German international has been sidelined since August after sustaining a knee injury and was expected to return in early December.
However, reports suggest Havertz suffered a minor relapse in late November, pushing his comeback back to mid-January at the earliest. The 26-year-old last appeared on August 17 in the opening Premier League fixture against Manchester United.
Havertz’s absence could open the door for Jesus to re-establish himself as a key figure in Arsenal’s attack, particularly during a crucial period of the season when squad depth is being tested.
A Defining Chapter Ahead
Having already endured one of the most challenging periods of his career, Gabriel Jesus now finds himself at a crossroads. With new signings increasing competition and expectations rising, his determination to stay and fight for his place speaks volumes about his mentality.
For Arsenal, his commitment offers reassurance. For Jesus, it represents an opportunity to write a defining chapter in his career—one not measured solely by goals, but by silverware and legacy.
As the season progresses, Jesus’ words resonate clearly: he came to Arsenal to win, to compete, and to leave a lasting mark. And for now, he has no intention of going anywhere else
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