Gabriel Jesus has publicly criticized Arsenal's handling of his departure to Barcelona, revealing a breakdown in communication during his final weeks at the Emirates Stadium. The Brazilian striker claimed the club's hierarchy provided no explanation before isolating him from first-team training, forcing a swift exit to Spain in the summer transfer window.
Training Ground Isolation and Lack of Communication
Jesus detailed the confusing circumstances surrounding his last days in north London, emphasizing how unprepared he was for the sudden shift in treatment. Despite completing a full preseason with Arsenal and maintaining peak physical condition, the forward found himself unexpectedly separated from the squad without any formal discussion about his future role under Mikel Arteta.
"I was training, I did the entire preseason normally with Arsenal, and I already knew that, probably, I wouldn't play as much or wouldn't have as many opportunities. But nobody told me anything," Jesus told SportyTV. The former Manchester City attacker stressed his professionalism throughout the ordeal, noting that he gave maximum effort in training sessions despite sensing the club was moving in a different direction.
Rapid Barcelona Transfer and Fresh Start
The move to Barcelona materialized quickly once the Catalan club became aware of his availability. Jesus credited the swift resolution to intervention by Barcelona's sporting director Deco and the club's president, who personally facilitated negotiations during the frantic final days of the transfer window. The striker expressed immediate relief at securing a fresh opportunity in La Liga.
"When we were sure that I had the opportunity to come, obviously I said yes straight away, no matter what. Now I'm so happy to be here," Jesus reflected on his decision-making process. This marks a significant turning point for the 29-year-old, who arrived at Arsenal in 2022 with considerable expectations but found his pathway to consistent playing time increasingly limited in the Premier League.
The Brazilian's departure represents a crossroads for both parties. Arsenal continues rebuilding their attacking setup, while Jesus now has a chance to reignite his career at one of Europe's elite institutions. His willingness to join Barcelona despite Arsenal's mishandling of the situation demonstrates his hunger to compete regularly at the highest level once again.
