Barcelona striker Gabriel Jesus was interviewed by 3Cat's Tot costa program, where he discussed his adaptation since arriving at Barcelona, competition for positions within the team, and his playing style. He also spoke about Raphinha, Guardiola, Flick, and the team's Champions League objectives. This is the first part of the exclusive interview.

How are you doing?

Everything is going really well.

That's great, it's a pleasure. This interview couldn't have started better. You've been at Barcelona for about two weeks now—how are you feeling? Is it better than you expected, the club and the city?

I've played with many players who have played here, and they've told me a lot about it, saying many good things about the city, the club, and everything here. I also know some of my current teammates, so I've already spoken with them.

The club is fantastic, and the city is fantastic too. But I haven't had much time yet to really experience it, because I'm still in an adaptation phase. My family is also still moving—we're still looking for a house, visiting apartments, and handling those things. Anyway, I'm very happy to be here.

Who was the most enthusiastic person who told you, "Don't even think about it, come here"?

I spoke with Deco. And then of course, I spoke with Raphinha, and I also had a chat with Cancelo. Later, when the media started reporting that there was a strong possibility I would join the team, someone also sent me a message—Neymar, for example.

He told me: "You're going to have a lot of fun there, because the club is really good, the fans are good, the people there are good, everything is great."

It sounds like you received great endorsements. You arrived at the final stage of the transfer window, and it's clear that Barcelona ultimately didn't sign the number 9 they initially wanted. When they contacted you—I understand Deco reached out—what kind of plan did he present? Was it to tell you "we want you to be the starting number 9," or "we want you to strengthen the team"? How exactly did they pitch it to you?

To be honest, I was training there at that time. I had a few options, but because of the price Arsenal was asking for me, my options became somewhat limited. I was training normally at that time. I'm a very spiritual person, you know? I place all my strength in God. I will always work hard and do what I need to do, while believing that God will change things and give me an opportunity.

So I continued training, and then Barcelona contacted me. Deco called me, and we spoke for about 10 to 15 minutes. The plan they presented was good. Actually, I also knew that, given my current situation, things will certainly be different compared to the start of my career. Because I had just returned from a season after a serious anterior cruciate ligament injury, having been absent for a long time because of that injury. Later, I came back to play, but I didn't play much, although the final phase was good.

So when we spoke, it was more about letting me adapt first. Training gradually, getting up to the team's level, adapting to the team's style of play, and then seeing what happens. Of course, he didn't tell me whether I would be a starter.

If I understand correctly, you're just saying that the price Arsenal was asking for you was relatively high, so some of your other options didn't materialize before Barcelona came in?

No, it's not that all my other options fell through. But given my situation—I had previously suffered a serious injury and hadn't played for nearly a year. Later, I recovered really well, everything went smoothly, and I came back to play, delivering good performances in the final phase. Of course, I believe I'm a player who can help the team a lot. I have my own characteristics and abilities. And I'm already 29 years old, I've experienced a lot in the football world, played in England for 10 years, and won many things.

So in my opinion, the price the club set for me was based on "the player himself," not on my situation at that moment. That is, it didn't fully account for the fact that I had just gone through a year of injury and hadn't had consistent playing time after my return.

So the solution was to wait until the final stage of the transfer window for Arsenal to be more reasonable.

Yes, exactly.

You've already explained that you don't mind being the option B, or even C, after Julián Álvarez. So as a "low-cost alternative," so to speak, do you think that could actually be beneficial for you? For example, it could mean the fans won't put as much pressure on you.

As for pressure, I've dealt with pressure throughout my career. In my opinion, the biggest pressure a player can bear is wearing the Brazilian national team jersey, and specifically the number 9 that Ronaldo wore. For me, that's the greatest pressure.

So pressure will always be with me my whole life. For me, wearing the Barcelona jersey is not a pressure, but a pleasure. Being on the pitch, doing what I need to do, is a pleasure. As you just said, I know I have my own abilities, but I also know I work very hard. When I get the chance to play more and more matches, I'll do my best.

When Raphinha told you to come here, did he warn you in advance that he'd be playing as number 9 and scoring 400 goals? (laughs)

No (laughs). Actually, I only spoke to him after I knew I was coming. But Raphinha is really in great form right now. He deserves all of it, because he works very hard and has excellent finishing ability. Sometimes one season is just different from another. He also participated in the World Cup with the Brazilian team, and the Brazilian team's performance wasn't good back then.

So Raphinha has been truly exceptional this season. I won't use that word I said the other day anymore (laughs), but he's really very good. He deserves all of it. My goal in coming here is to help the team. When I get the chance, like the other day, to score a goal in 10 minutes, that's already very good (laughs).

I was just about to say that. It's probably going to be difficult to dislodge him from that position now.

The season is still long, you know? I think Raphinha is in excellent form right now, and I hope he continues to score goals, and I also hope he continues to help the team, because that's very good for us. And not just Raphinha, but also Yamal, Adeyemi, Gordon, me, and Hamza, including all the midfielders.

Look at how Spain won the World Cup—they had an excellent team, everyone was involved, and everyone played. I think our team is also very strong, and everyone can become very important.

Traduit par IA.

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