Gabriel Jesus has disclosed that he was separated from his Arsenal teammates during the final days of his four-year spell at the club before completing a £8.6m transfer to Barcelona.
The Brazilian forward was omitted from Arsenal’s squad for their opening two matches of the season as his departure from the Premier League club became increasingly likely.
Jesus eventually completed his move to Barcelona on deadline day, bringing his time in north London to an end.
The 29-year-old revealed that he had been training normally with Arsenal throughout pre-season before he was suddenly instructed to work away from the rest of the squad.
“The truth is I was training, I did all the pre-season training with Arsenal normal and then obviously I knew already that probably I will not play there or get some opportunity,” Jesus said while speaking to SportyTV.
“But no-one told me nothing.
“I’m a professional you know and then obviously I was training with the group and then from nothing they put me to train away from the group.
“I was training and doing my maximum to be ready if I have the chance to play in a high level again and then obviously in the last week it was very quick.
“The work with Deco, and the president of the club, and my agent was amazing. In one day, it was sure that I would have the opportunity to come (to Barcelona). I said yes, straight away, no matter what and I am so happy to be here.”
Jesus had featured in all four of Arsenal’s official pre-season fixtures before his departure, although his minutes on the pitch were limited.
He joined Arsenal from Manchester City in 2022 after spending five years at the Etihad Stadium, but his role gradually diminished under manager Mikel Arteta.
The forward also endured a lengthy spell on the sidelines in 2025 after suffering a cruciate ligament injury.
In total, Jesus made 123 appearances for Arsenal, scoring 32 goals and registering 22 assists.
Despite his departure, Arteta praised the Brazilian for the impact he had made during his time with the club.
“He was a massive contributor for us to change the dynamic and the energy in and around this club,” the Arsenal manager said.
“I think when Gabi came in he brought this energy, this belief within, this aura, that’s really helped achieve what happened next.
“And now, yeah, he has an amazing opportunity to enjoy one of the biggest clubs in the world, and a beautiful place to live as well, and we are happy for him.”
Jesus has already made his debut for Barcelona, coming on for the final 10 minutes of their 5-0 LaLiga victory over Valencia on Sunday.
