Barcelona striker Gabriel Jesus gave an interview to the program 3Cat Tot costa, where he spoke about his adaptation to Barcelona, competition for a starting spot, and his playing style. He also discussed Raphinha, Guardiola, Flick, and the team's goals in the Champions League. This is the first part of an exclusive interview.

How are you doing?

Everything is going very well.

Great, it's nice to hear. This interview couldn't have started better. You've been in Barcelona for about two weeks now. How are you feeling? Better than expected, both the club and the city?

I've played with many footballers who have played here before, and they told me a lot about this place. They spoke very highly of the city, the club, and everything here. I also know some of my current teammates, so I've been in contact with them before.

The club is fantastic, and the city is fantastic too. However, I haven't had much time yet to truly feel it, because I'm still adapting. My family is also still moving; we're still looking for a house, viewing apartments, dealing with those things. Overall, I'm very happy to be here.

Who convinced you the most, saying: "Don't think about it, just come here"?

I spoke with Deco. Then, of course, I talked to Raphinha, and also chatted a bit with Cancelo. Later, when the media started reporting that I had a strong chance of moving, some people also reached out to me, like Neymar.

He told me: "You'll really like it there, because the club is great, the fans are great, the people are great, everything is fantastic."

It sounds like you got good feedback. You joined in the final stages of the transfer window, and it's clear Barcelona ultimately didn't sign the number 9 they originally wanted. When they contacted you—I assume Deco contacted you—what plan did he propose? Did he say: "We want you to be our main number 9," or "we want to strengthen the team"? How exactly did they approach you?

To be honest, I was training there at the time. I had some options, but due to the price Arsenal was asking for me, my options became somewhat limited. At the time, I was just training normally. I'm a man who has great faith in God, you know? I put all my trust in God. I'll always work hard and do what I need to do while believing that God will change some things and give me an opportunity.

So I kept training, and then Barcelona contacted me. Deco called me, and we talked for about 10-15 minutes. The plan they proposed was good. Actually, I also knew that given my current situation, things would definitely be different from the start of my career. Because I had just returned after a season with a serious ACL injury, missing a lot of time with that injury. Later I returned to play, but then didn't get many minutes, though the final stretch was good.

So when we talked, it was more about letting me adapt first. Train slowly, gradually build up pace with the team, adapt to the team's style of play, and then see what happens next. Of course, he didn't tell me whether I'd be a starter.

So if I understand correctly, you're saying that the price Arsenal was asking for you was relatively high, so some of your other options didn't materialize until Barcelona came along?

No, it's not that there were no other options. But given my situation, I had just come through a serious injury and hadn't played for almost a year. Later, my recovery went very well, everything went smoothly, and I returned to play, showing good performances in the final stretch. Of course, I believe I'm a player who can give a lot to a team; I have my strengths and abilities. And I'm already 29, I've achieved a lot in football, played 10 years in England, and accomplished much.

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

So the solution was to wait until the final stages of the transfer window, when Arsenal's position became more reasonable.

Yes, exactly.

You've already explained that you don't mind being a second or even third option behind Julián Álvarez. So as the "budget alternative," in quotes, do you think that could actually work in your favor? For example, it might mean the fans won't put as much pressure on you.

As for pressure, I've felt it throughout my career. In my opinion, the biggest pressure a player can bear is wearing the Brazilian national team shirt, specifically the number 9, which Ronaldo once wore. For me, that's the greatest pressure.

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

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 it all because he works very hard and has an excellent ability to finish attacks. Sometimes one season is just different from another. He also competed in the World Cup with Brazil, and the Brazilian team didn't perform well then.

So Raphinha is truly an outstanding player this season. I won't use that word again that I said the other day (laughs), but he really is very good. He deserves all of it. My goal in coming here is to help the team. When I get a 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 will probably be hard to displace him from that position now.

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

Look at how Spain won the championship; they had a great team, everyone was involved, and everyone played. I think our team is equally strong, and everyone can become very important.

Переведено ИИ.

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