Gabriel Jesus 'was not unhappy' at Man City and he joined Arsenal because he 'wanted to play'

New Arsenal forward Gabriel Jesus insists the sole reason behind his Manchester City exit was to score goals after bagging a brace against Leicester on Saturday.

Jesus scored twice in the first half, and assisted two more, as the Gunners swept the Foxes aside for an impressive 4-2 win at the Emirates to make it two wins from two for Mikel Arteta's side.

The Brazil international joined the north London side for £47million from City, but has quashed any talk of bad blood with his former employers after a brilliant start to his Arsenal career.

Following the game he told Premier League Productions: 'I am so happy because we played so good against a tough opponent. I work all day every day to score goals.

'I was not unhappy at Manchester City, I just wanted to play and the club understood.'

After the departure of City's record goalscorer Sergio Aguero at the end of the 2020-21 season, Jesus can be forgiven for thinking that would mark the start of more game time under Pep Guardiola, being the one recognised senior No 9 at the club.

However the ex-Barcelona boss elected to play his favoured false-nine formation, with Jesus often featuring from the wing in a side that ultimately went on to defend their own title on the final day of the season.

Overall last season the Brazil international played 28 games as City won the league, though he only played 1878 minutes in the Premier League which equates to just over 20 full matches.

Arteta has certainly given the Brazilian the game time he wanted at his old club, starting both Premier League games this season and playing 167 of a possible 180 minutes in both those starts.

And although he failed to make the scoresheet in Arsenal's season opener at Crystal Palace, he netted twice and will be disappointed he could not add a third against Leicester, as Gunners home supporters got a first look at their new man.

Playing under Arteta as Guardiola's assistant at the Etihad, Jesus won two Premier Leagues, two League Cups, a Community Shield and an FA Cup.