Jesus: "My wish for this year is to help the Gunners compete for all titles."

In an interview with Globo Esporte, Arsenal forward Gabriel Jesus stated that his wish for this year is to help the club compete for titles across all competitions and to earn a return to the Brazilian national team.

“I still remember clearly the day I first arrived at Manchester City—it feels like just yesterday. Back then, I was very young, yet full of dreams and aspirations. I never imagined I’d reach the heights I have today: breaking numerous records, winning countless honors, and representing Brazil in two World Cups. Over these years in Europe, being surrounded by so many kind people and supported by countless professionals has brought me to where I am now, and I’m filled with a deep sense of accomplishment. Of course, above all, I owe my gratitude to God and to my family for their unwavering support, especially to my wife for standing by me—and the birth of my children has truly transformed my life in the most beautiful way,” Jesus said with heartfelt emotion.

Jesus made his European debut on January 21, 2017, in a 2-2 Premier League draw between Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur. Over the years, he has scored 77 goals in the Premier League, making him the second-highest Brazilian goalscorer in the competition’s history, behind only Roberto Firmino, who has 82 goals. During his stints at both Manchester City and Arsenal, he has also delivered standout performances in the UEFA Champions League.

In 53 Champions League appearances, he has netted 26 goals—an average of 0.49 per game—placing him fifth among Brazilian players on the competition’s all-time scoring list, tied with Real Madrid’s Rodrygo. Just this past Tuesday, in Matchday 7 of the Champions League group stage against Inter Milan, Jesus scored Arsenal’s first two goals, playing a pivotal role in securing the victory.

“So many moments along this journey have left an indelible mark on me—the first goal in the Premier League, lifting my first trophy, earning my first call-up to the Brazilian national team, which came directly as a result of my performances in Europe. Even the injuries I’ve endured are worth remembering. As I’ve said many times before, those experiences have helped me grow—not just as a player, but as a man, a husband, and a father. They’ve given me a new perspective on life both on and off the pitch, and I sincerely hope never to go through that pain again. Right now, my sole focus is on fully regaining my rhythm, becoming an indispensable part of Arsenal’s tactical system, and helping the team win more trophies and create new glories,” Jesus said.

Jesus emerged from the youth academy of Palmeiras. During his time there, he quickly rose to prominence and won both the Copa do Brasil and the Brasileirão title with the club—a career trajectory that caught the eye of Pep Guardiola and paved the way for his move to Manchester City.

“I will never forget to thank Palmeiras for everything I’ve achieved in Europe. The club didn’t just shape me into a better footballer—it taught me how to be a better person. Off the pitch, they gave me tremendous support and stood by me when I needed it most. You could say that when I arrived in Europe, I was fully prepared—not just in terms of match experience and tactical understanding, but also mentally and emotionally. I’ll never forget my roots or the path that brought me here, because without that foundation, none of what I’ve accomplished over these past nine years would have been possible.”

Over his 11-year professional career, Jesus has accumulated an impressive list of honors: one Copa América title, four Premier League titles, one FA Cup, four EFL Cups, two Community Shields, and an Olympic gold medal with Brazil’s men’s football team at the 2016 Rio Games.

Last year, Jesus underwent a lengthy rehabilitation period following a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his left knee sustained during the previous season. He returned to action in December and has since contributed three goals and one assist for his team. With Arsenal currently leading both the Premier League and the Champions League standings, Jesus is more determined than ever to maintain top-level performance and secure a spot in Carlo Ancelotti’s Brazil squad.

“I think my wish for this year is simply to live in the present, stay grounded, and give everything I have to help my Arsenal teammates fight for every possible title—and, of course, to make my way back into the Brazilian national team. That’s my goal, and I hope to earn Ancelotti’s call-up and trust. Naturally, it all depends on how I perform now that I’m back on the pitch,” Jesus concluded.