In a surprising turn of events, Gabriel Jesus, the former Manchester City striker, recently revealed the pivotal moment that led to his decision to part ways with the club. The Brazilian forward, who now plies his trade at Arsenal, expressed his discontent when Pep Guardiola sidelined him during a crucial Champions League group fixture against Paris Saint-Germain in 2021.

Reflecting upon his time at the Etihad Stadium, Jesus disclosed in a recent interview the incident that left him emotionally distraught and ultimately compelled him to seek greener pastures. Following Guardiola’s decision to deploy defender Aleks Zinchenko as a false nine, leaving Jesus consigned to the bench, the striker found himself at his breaking point. Follow your favourite Premier League team with attractive betting odds from Nextbet. 

“It was during the Champions League game against PSG at home when he [Guardiola] put Zinchenko in the role of a false nine. Utter madness,” Jesus candidly stated during the ‘Denilson Show’ podcast. He went on to reveal that on the eve of the match, Zinchenko wasn’t even utilized in training, whereas Jesus himself had been assigned the role of the striker. The situation took an even more disheartening turn when Zinchenko jokingly sympathized with Jesus, acknowledging the unfairness of the decision.

As the match drew near, a customary team talk was held, followed by a short period for nourishment and rest. However, Jesus, consumed by disappointment and anguish, chose not to partake in the meal. Instead, he sought solace in the confines of the dressing room, where tears streamed down his face and the weight of his decision became undeniable.

Overwhelmed by his emotions, Jesus promptly contacted his mother, expressing his desire to leave the club. He resolved to return home, as he felt betrayed by Guardiola’s choice to field Zinchenko, a left-back, over him. The Brazilian striker was left bewildered by the decision, feeling his talents were undervalued and unappreciated.

The turn of events took an unexpected twist, however, when Guardiola summoned Jesus just five minutes after Kylian Mbappe scored, putting PSG in the lead. Upon entering the pitch, the Brazilian made an immediate impact, providing an assist and scoring a goal, ultimately contributing to City’s comeback victory, sealing a 2-1 triumph. Despite his heroics, Jesus found himself benched once again in the subsequent Champions League game, leading to further disillusionment and confirming his decision to depart the club.

While the PSG fixture proved to be the tipping point, Jesus alluded to a recurring pattern in Guardiola’s team selections that left him dissatisfied. He hinted at the hardships endured when dealing with the esteemed manager’s choices, remarking on the arduous nature of the situation. Ultimately, it was these cumulative experiences that solidified Jesus’s resolve to seek a fresh start elsewhere, ultimately resulting in his departure from Manchester City.

Gabriel Jesus’s decision to leave Manchester City and join Arsenal last summer not only served as a means of self-assertion but also provided him with the opportunity to contribute significantly to the Gunners’ impressive second-place finish in the Premier League, trailing only his former club. The Brazilian striker’s decision to part ways with City proved pivotal in reshaping his career and ensuring that his talent would no longer go unnoticed or unutilized.

As Jesus embarks on a new chapter in his footballing journey, he reflects upon the heart-wrenching moments and pivotal decisions that led him to this juncture. With his unwavering determination and newfound resolve, he stands ready to face the challenges that lie ahead, eager to demonstrate his true potential and make an indelible mark in the world of football. Get the latest updates from the Premier League only on Nextbet Sports.