Gabriel Jesus has torn up his wage slip to chase a boyhood dream.
The Brazil striker confirmed on Tuesday that he accepted a significant salary reduction to force through a Deadline Day move to Barcelona from Arsenal, signing off on a €15m deal with a sell-on clause after weeks of stalled talks.
Once Arsenal’s marquee earner on more than £250,000-a-week, Jesus admitted money was the final hurdle. But for the 29-year-old, Camp Nou outweighed the cash.
“It Was Unlikely a Month Ago” — The Sacrifice to Wear Blaugrana
“I took a significant salary drop, but it’s a dream to be here,” Jesus said at his unveiling, beaming in Barcelona colours.
“It wasn’t just me who had to make an effort to get the transfer over the line, Barca also played their part.”
The move looked dead in the water just weeks ago. Arsenal’s wage bill made clubs balk. But Jesus pushed. He called Rodri, Joao Cancelo and fellow Brazilian Raphinha. He asked, he listened, he decided.
“If you had asked me one month ago, I would have said it was unlikely this would happen. At 29, I didn’t think I would have the chance to come to Barca,” he said.
It’s a circle closing 10 years in the making. Barcelona first circled Jesus back in 2016 before he joined Manchester City. Julian Alvarez was Plan A this summer. Jesus didn’t care.
“It doesn’t annoy me [being Plan B], it doesn’t bother me. What annoys me is if people say I’m a bad guy… or if I am not playing football, that bothers me.”
“I’m 100% Ready”
The other question was his body.
The last two seasons were a war of attrition after a serious knee injury kept him out for almost a year.
“The last two years have been really complicated after the knee injury,” Jesus admitted. “I was out of the game for almost one year, but it’s in the past. I feel good physically now.”
He returned late last season for Arsenal and says the pain is gone.
“I recovered well, returned to action for Arsenal and I am 100% ready to play and give my all.”
After Hansi Flick’s side thumped Rayo 5-2, Jesus arrives with a point to prove. A pay cut. A second chance. A decade-long wait.
“I have the chance to play for Barcelona, a chance I had 10 years ago and now life has offered me that opportunity again.”
