Gabriel Jesús says that Pep Guardiola was a key factor in his decision to join Manchester City from Palmeiras. The 19 year old has been loaned back to the São Paulo club until the Brasileirão season concludes in December.
Gabriel completed a transfer worth in the region of £32m to join the current Premier League leaders and he suggests that the presence of ex Barcelona and Bayern Munich boss Pep Guardiola was a huge factor in his decision to join City ahead of other top European suitors.
“It was a difficult decision, but in the end my desire to improve won. The presence of Guardiola as coach of the City, in addition to being a great club, were very important factors in my final decision. The connection Guardiola was very important for my decision.
“It made me realize that I would love to work with him. I do not know him personally, yet. But he made me feel very secure about the project,” Jesús said in an exclusive interview with the Guardian newspaper.
Jesús says that, while he prefers to play to the left of the attack, he will play anywhere for City, “I really prefer to play on the left of the attack. But I want to make it clear that I am willing to play in any position,” he pondered.
“I was prepared to play in attack and help defensively because good marking and fighting can result in a goal for my team. I consider myself a versatile player.” Gabriel Jesús’ Palmeiras currently top the Brasileirão with Jesús joint top of the scoring charts with former City attacker Robinho.
