After intense speculation and rife rumours, Gabriel Jesus has departed Manchester City following six seasons with the Sky Blues.
During his time in East Manchester, the 25-year-old won 11 trophies and scored one of Premier League’s most iconic and historic goals.
Jesus, who initially joined as a teenager from Palmeiras in his native Brazil in 2017, has moved to Arsenal in a £45 million deal, with numerous clubs across both England and Europe having been interested in the vibrant forward.
Mikel Arteta worked with the former City striker at the Etihad Stadium, with the Gunners boss having been a part of Pep Guardiola’s coaching staff before replacing Unai Emery as manager at the Emirates.
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The Brazilian had an incredibly successful stint with Manchester City and at the age of 25, looks set to continue lighting up the Premier League with his energy, enthusiasm and wonderful trickery.
Often called upon by Guardiola in the biggest of matches, Jesus played an integral role in the Blues’ recent Premier League title run-in, as City secured a fourth title in five years.
From stunning goals at the Santiago Bernabéu and Turf Moor to the famous stoppage time dink to take Manchester City to the 100 point mark in 2018 at St Mary’s, Jesus has has a statistically glowing Manchester City career.
Gabriel Jesus made 236 appearances for City, with a disallowed goal minutes into his debut against Spurs at the Etihad in January 2017, the first of 85 showings from the bench.
The 25-year-old's first goal for the club came on his full Premier League against West Ham in a 4-0 win in February 2017.
The Brazilian then went on to score 95 goals for City - his last coming versus Leeds United at Elland Road in April 2022.
Jesus has scored four hat-tricks, his most recent against Watford, with the Hornets and Everton his most favourable opponent - scoring eight goals against both sides.
Liverpool, Arsenal and Chelsea are the opposition City’s number nine has faced most since 2017, testament to his role in the biggest of matches.
As well as winning four Premier League titles, Jesus has also won four League Cups, one FA Cup and the Community Shield twice.
A seismic achievement for someone aged just 25.
The Brazil international departs as City’s 18th highest goalscorer; level with David White, eight shy of Shaun Goater’s record, and five short of a century.
Jesus has 58 goals in the Premier League, but has a phenomenal record in the Champions League as well, scoring 20 goals in 38 appearances - a goal every 171 minutes in Europe’s biggest club competition.
In his final season, Jesus was directly involved in 25 goals in 41 appearances in all competitions, as City beat Liverpool to the Premier League and also reached the Champions League and FA Cup semi-final.
Topics: Manchester City, Arsenal, Gabriel Jesus, Premier League, Manchester City Transfer News & Rumours
Harry Winters