Gabriel Jesus 'ran around the house like a child' after leaving Arsenal

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Matthew Judge | Editor

Gabriel Jesus has lifted the lid on his move away from Arsenal, saying he was “running around the house” after learning Barcelona wanted to sign him.

Jesus brought an end to his four-year association with the Premier League champions by joining Barcelona in a €10million deal (£8.5m) on deadline day.

The move came as a major surprise as there had been no previous speculation suggesting the La Liga champions were keen on signing the 29-year-old.

Jesus had slipped down the pecking order at Arsenal and was being linked with a summer switch to Napoli before Barcelona made a move for the striker.

The Brazil international has now revealed he spoke to the Spanish giants four days before the summer transfer window closed in England on 1 September.

And Jesus has opened about the happiness he and his wife, Raiane Lima, felt upon learning there was a strong possibility he was going to Barcelona.

Asked about when he first heard Barcelona were interested in him, Jesus told Spanish publication SPORT: “I was training [at Arsenal].

“When I got home, my agent called and said, ‘you're going to talk to Deco (Barcelona’s sporting director) in five or ten minutes’.

“We spoke, and he told me there was a strong possibility of me going to Barca. There were three or four days left in the transfer window.

“So I thought, 'OK, I’m in, I’m free'. We talked for about ten or fifteen minutes. I learned that the possibility was very real and that we had to wait two or three days.”

Jesus was 'like a child' after learning Barcelona wanted him

Jesus said he and his wife were ecstatic following the talks with Barcelona, adding: “When it happened, I was in my game room.

“Afterward, I went to the bedroom and talked to my wife. I couldn’t tell anyone; she was so happy, and so was I. I was like a kid, running around the house, overjoyed.”

Jesus joined Arsenal from Manchester City for a reported €52.5m (£45m) in July 2022, signing a long-term contract at the Emirates Stadium.

He recorded 32 goals and 22 assists in 123 appearances for the Gunners, helping the club win their first Premier League title for 22 years last season.

After making his debut for Barcelona in the 5-0 win at Valencia earlier this month, Jesus then scored in the subsequent 5-1 demolition of Feyenoord in the Champions League.