Brazil striker Gabriel Jesus will undergo a homecoming when he starts for his country against Chile on Tuesday night. The Manchester City forward will be returning to Palmeiras’ Allianz Arena, where he made his name.
The 19-year old does not hide his affection for Palmeiras, with whom he won the Brazilian title last season. He can expect a huge ovation from the locals, with a clear mutual affection between the fans and the player.
Speaking ahead of the Chile tie, Jesus said, “When I realized my dream [of playing for Palmeiras], I created a quick story, but I did it with my teammates. I am very happy to return," he pointed out.
"I always had the happiness of having the affection of the Palmeiras shirt. I"m glad that this has not changed, every time I meet the fans I"m very fond of them."
His teammate Neymar was pictured with a Palmeiras jersey under his Brazil training top during training this week, and Jesus joked, "If Neymar was wearing a Palmeiras shirt, then I am also very happy!"
Neymar also grew up in São Paulo and is rumoured to have supported Palmeiras as a child, "I never touched his subject [whether Neymar supported Palmeiras], but everyone knows he was. Some day I"ll talk to him about it."