Gabriel Jesus has opened up on his decision to join Manchester City and says it was all down to Pep Guardiola.
The Brazilian arrived from Palmeiras in January and has gone on to be a huge hit in the Premier League.
The 20-year-old admits it has been difficult getting used to life in England and opened up on why he signed for City.
"I had a few offers to go to other clubs, and warmer places, but for me, the decision to come to Manchester City was all about playing under Pep Guardiola," he said.
"This is my first time coming to a country that is really cold and where I don’t speak the language. It’s a challenge to be understood, and it can be lonely in that sense.
"However, when Mr. Guardiola called me as I was deciding where to sign, he told me that he was counting on me, and that I would be important to the future of City.
“That call was really important to me because it showed that he really cared about my future.
"When you have enough of these conversations, you can tell when someone is being real with you. I could tell Mr. Guardiola was being genuine — and in football, that means a lot.
"When he said this, I didn’t think twice. My decision was made. It was City.”
Source | Players’ Tribune
Guardiola’s influence is, of course huge, and another reason why City appear so keen to get him to commit his long-term future to the club.
The latest reports have also suggested Jesus is in line for a new deal that will tie him to the club until 2023.