Gabriel Jesus made his Barcelona debut in the 5-0 win over Valencia last weekend.
The Brazilian joined from Arsenal on deadline day for €10m plus add-ons on a three-year contract. He was introduced by Hansi Flick in the 80th minute at the Mestalla, replacing Pedri with Barcelona already four goals ahead.
“Debuting in this jersey makes me so happy,” Jesus said afterwards. The 29-year-old has had limited playing time in recent years due to problems with injuries, including an ACL injury in 2025. He hopes now that he can put all that behind him and get back to playing at a high level.
“I feel physically good, but I need more match sharpness,” Jesus said. “I’m very happy with the minutes I got.
He added: “Physically I feel good, though I’m still building up match fitness. The more minutes I get, the better I’ll feel. I’m just really happy for the debut and the win.”
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Flick’s attack has already proved itself to be sharp and exciting so far this season. They have scored 17 goals in their first four games, seven more than any other side. The arrival of Jesus gives the Barcelona coach another option who can replace Raphinha and play in central areas.
Jesus praised the side’s performance in the demolition of Valencia.
“We have a very great team full of quality and we play beautiful football,” he said.
The striker said the club’s style was one of the reasons he was pleased to be at Barcelona. “I love football and I love Barcelona,” Jesus said. “This is the way I love playing. It makes me very happy.”
