- Title: Guardiola key factor behind Gabriel Jesus move
- Date: 19th January 2017
- Summary: SAO PAULO, BRAZIL (FILE - NOVEMBER 24, 2016) (REUTERS) GABRIEL JESUS JUGGLING BALL
- Embargoed: 2nd February 2017 14:16
- Keywords: Gabriel Jesus Manchester City Guardiola Brazil soccer Guardiola
- Location: MANCHESTER, ENGLAND, UK / SAO PAULO, BRAZIL
- City: MANCHESTER, ENGLAND, UK / SAO PAULO, BRAZIL
- Country: United Kingdom
- Topics: Soccer,Sport
- Reuters ID: LVA0055ZQZ3UN
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- Story Text: Following the formal completion of his 27m Pounds move to Manchester City, Brazilian forward Gabriel Jesus praised the role of coach Pep Guardiola in bringing the talented 19-year-old to the club.
Gabriel Jesus, who has already scored four goals in six appearances for his country, is widely-regarded as one of the best prospects in South American soccer.
He therefore had lots of interest from a host of top European clubs but eventually plumped for Guardiola's City.
The Catalan, who won 12 major titles during his time with Barcelona and Bayern Munich, is revered by many players across the globe, including Gabriel Jesus.
"It is a club that always competes for the title in the competitions it enters, so that was an important factor, and because of the manager Pep Guardiola and the squad. He was the only manager who called me, so I was very pleased given the manager he is and everything he has done, his intelligence, so my desire is to work with him and learn more from him every day," the Brazilian told Manchester City's official television station.
Gabriel Jesus signed for City in August but stayed with Brazilian club Palmeiras as they won their first Brazilian league crown since 1994.
Now, the youngster has his eyes set on new challenges, starting with City's upcoming clash with high-flying Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday (January 21).
Guardiola's City are struggling to keep pace in the Premier League and are now 10 points off leaders Chelsea in fifth place.
However, Gabriel Jesus knows he will not have a lot of time to adapt and is focussed on getting acquainted with the physicality of the Premier League.
"I've watched it and I notice it's a very hard, intense style of play. I hope to adapt as quickly as possible in the first contact I have with the game. I am going to try and take it all in and adapt. I know it isn't going to be easy, but it only depends on me to put in the effort to help with the transition."
City possess a vast array of attacking talent, including Sergio Aguero, Kevin de Bruyne and Raheem Sterling. However, the addition of fresh talent could be the boost that Guardiola and City need as they try and claim a top four spot. - Copyright Holder: FILE REUTERS (CAN SELL)
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