Why I join Manchester City – Gabriel Jesus

Brazilian wonder-kid Gabriel Jesus says his “desire to learn” was the reason why he chose Manchester City over a host of other leading European clubs.

The 19-year-old from Sao Paulo cost City £27m, and he will join his new club in January of next year when he will battle for a first-team spot with the Premier League leaders.

And the teenage forward says a telephone conversation with City boss Pep Guardiola convinced him that moving to the Etihad Stadium was the correct decision.

“The presence of Guardiola as manager of City, and the fact that it is a great club, were important factors in my final decision.

“Guardiola’s phone call was a huge part of me deciding to go there. It made me realise that I’d love to work with him.

“I don’t know him personally but he made me feel very safe about his project. It was a complicated decision but, in the end, my desire to learn won.”

I don’t know him personally but he made me feel very safe about his project.

Other teams keen to secure the striker’s signature included Barcelona, Real Madrid, Paris St Germain, Bayern Munich and Manchester United.

Jesus, who plays his club football with Palmeiras, was part of the Brazil side that claimed Olympic gold in Rio last month, and has since made his senior debut for the national team.

Ahead of his move to England in the New Year, he added: “I prefer playing as a left winger rather than a striker, but I’m willing to play in either position.

“I’d like to think I’m a versatile player. But I will listen to the manager’s opinion and advice in order to improve and adapt as fast as I possibly can.”

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