Gabriel Jesus has provided an insight into his relationship with Manchester City fans after completing a much-anticipated transfer to Arsenal.
After spending five-and-a-half seasons at the Etihad Stadium, the 25-year-old has called time on his trophy-laden stay in Manchester by joining forces with Mikel Arteta in north London.
The Brazilian leaves the Premier League champions after playing a key role in the success City have enjoyed under Pep Guardiola since 2017.
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Making an instant impact following his mid-season arrival from Palmeiras in Brazil, Jesus won Manchester City fans over with a series of eye-catching displays.
The four-time Premier League champions managed to displace club legend Sergio Aguero from Pep Guardiola's starting XI briefly before suffering a foot injury in a 2-0 win away at Bournemouth in February 2017.
Throughout his time at the Etihad Stadium, Jesus was held in great regard by City fans due to his work rate and the fact he gave it all on the pitch every time he featured.
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Speaking about the bond he has forged with Manchester City supporters since 2017 in his first interview as Arsenal player, Jesus said: “I think most of them like me, love me. I love all of them.
"They always push, I understand sometimes they’re disappointed, not just with me but with a lot of players.
"I think most of them love me, because I show on the pitch I work hard. I’m glad."
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Despite often being criticised for his profligacy in front of goal at key moments, Gabriel Jesus leaves City in good spirits and is thankful for the support he has received from the blue half of Manchester.
"I’m happy to have been there almost six years with them, and I’ll just say, ‘Thank You’," the forward added.
"I want them to be happy forever because that club (Manchester City) is amazing, that club is special.
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"I have a good relationship with all the players, all the staff, with the coach, with everyone at City.
"I wish all the best for the fans, all the best for the club. In a few months, we’ll face each other maybe, it’s going to be good - a good moment."
Jesus did not take long to settle to life in Manchester and was aided in transitioning into his new surroundings in 2017 by fellow Brazilians in Pep Guardiola's squad.
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Asked about how crucial it was for Jesus to have his fellow countrymen at City when he signed for the Premier League champions, Jesus said: “A lot. Always we spend time together, travel together, talking, laughing, being Brazilians.
"Eddie (Ederson), Bernardo (Silva), Danilo at that time were like every time - we were together talking, doing something.
"After Danilo left, Joao (Cancelo), Ruben (Dias), Kayky last season as well. We always try to be happy as well, our people try to be happy. We try always to be happy.”
The role Gabriel Jesus' mother has played in his upbringing and him breaking into professional football are both evident from the 25-year-old's words in recent years.
“This (celebration, Alo Mae) is for my mum. As always, she calls me since I was young and still today," Jesus added.
"Wow, it’s like… Mum is mum. You cannot describe mum. She always will be on my back, looking after me.
"My mum is everything in my life. Now I’m a dad, I have a little baby as well. Now it’s obviously my mum is my mum, and then my baby is my baby.”
Topics: Manchester City, Premier League, Arsenal, Mikel Arteta, Pep Guardiola, Gabriel Jesus, Transfers
Vayam Lahoti