Arsenal striker Gabriel Jesus has baffled supporters on social media after admitting he isn't the best in front of goal.
The Brazil international returned from a hamstring injury to play in Wednesday's 1-0 defeat to Argentina.
It means he'll end 2023 without scoring a goal for his country. Jesus' only goal for Brazil in the last four years came in a 5-1 friendly win over South Korea in June 2022.
Speaking after the Argentina game, the 26-year-old decided to defend his goalscoring record by admitting scoring goals isn't one of his strengths.
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"There are things that bothered me a lot in the post 2018 World Cup cycle. I was younger, I had a different mentality," Jesus told local media.
"Today I am a more mature man, more educated, a family man. I understand football is a priority for me, and I know I need to be well to do my best, especially for Brazil.
"There are things that I can’t control. I train, I look for, I try, I move, I help the team. I believe that goals are not my strong point, but I score goals, I’m there to score goals. I did so much in the national team.
"When I score goals again, it’s going to happen. It’s work. I work quietly, I’m not one to respond to criticism, I’m not one to be happy with praise. I was, I won’t be anymore."
Arsenal fans have voiced their concerns after realising Jesus is Mikel Arteta's first choice up top.
One person said: "We have a goalkeeper who can't focus, a defender who doesn't like defending and a striker who can't score."
A second tweeted: "Can't believe we've had a striker say this."
Someone put: "No wonder he plays for Arsenal. A serious club wouldn't take this."
While a fourth added: "He's stating the obvious. I've had to watch him the last two seasons."
Jesus joined Arsenal from Manchester City in 2022 after growing disillusioned with a lack of game time at the Etihad Stadium.
Pep Guardiola opted to start Phil Foden and Jack Grealish up front ahead of him despite club legend Sergio Aguero's departure.
He's remained Arteta's go-to man up front, although Eddie Nketiah could have something to say about that.
Nketiah filled in for Jesus while he recovered from injury, even netting a hat-trick against Sheffield United in October.
Arsenal return to action on Saturday evening against Brentford.
Topics: Arsenal, Gabriel Jesus, Fan Reactions, Premier League, Brazil
Daniel Marland