LONDON, ENGLAND — Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has said he is “very surprised” by Gabriel Jesus’s claim that he was forced to train alone before his move to Barcelona, insisting that the Brazilian striker was treated with respect and professionalism during his time at the club.
Jesus, who completed a move to Barcelona in the summer transfer window, told Spanish media earlier this week that he had been made to train separately from the first-team squad in the weeks leading up to his departure, describing the experience as “difficult” and suggesting that he had been frozen out by the club.
“I was training alone. It was a difficult situation. I wanted to stay and fight for my place, but the club made it clear that they wanted me to leave,” Jesus was quoted as saying. “When a club treats you like that, you have to accept it and move on.”
Arteta, speaking at his pre-match press conference on Friday ahead of Arsenal’s Premier League clash with Sunderland, dismissed the suggestion that Jesus had been mistreated. He said the decision to have Jesus train separately was a mutual arrangement agreed with the player and his representatives to facilitate his transfer, and that it was never intended to be disrespectful.
“I am very surprised by those comments. Gabriel knows the truth. We had a conversation, and the decision was made together with him and his agent. It was about managing the situation as he was close to leaving,” Arteta stated. “He was always treated with respect. He is a professional, and we have a lot of respect for him. I wish him nothing but the best at Barcelona.”
Arteta also praised Jesus’s contribution to Arsenal during his time at the club, describing him as an important player who scored crucial goals and helped the team compete for major honours. He said the club would always be grateful for his service.
Jesus joined Arsenal from Manchester City in 2022 and scored 19 goals in 73 appearances across all competitions. He won the FA Community Shield and the League Cup during his time in north London. His move to Barcelona was completed for a reported fee of €45 million, with the Brazilian signing a three-year contract with the Catalan club.
The striker’s departure was part of Arsenal’s summer squad overhaul, which saw several players leave the club as Arteta reshaped his attacking options. The Gunners have since signed Viktor Gyokeres and are reportedly close to finalising a deal for another forward.
Barcelona have welcomed Jesus to the Camp Nou, with sporting director Deco describing him as “a proven goalscorer with a winning mentality.” Jesus is expected to compete for a starting spot alongside Robert Lewandowski and Raphinha in Barcelona’s attacking lineup.
Arsenal fans have reacted with mixed feelings to Jesus’s comments, with some defending the club’s handling of the situation and others expressing disappointment that a player who contributed to the club’s recent success felt compelled to speak out. For now, Arteta is focused on the upcoming match and ensuring his team maintains its strong start to the season.
