Gabriel Jesus shakes up the market and does not hide his dream of a triumphant return to Palmeiras, while casting a clear “look” towards Abel Ferreira, the coach who is revolutionizing the Brazilian club. The Brazilian forward, currently at Arsenal, sees his future in England as uncertain and does not hide his desire to don the green and white jersey again to achieve more glory.
With a contract until June 2027, Gabriel Jesus has been experiencing difficult moments in the Premier League. Prolonged injuries and the loss of his status as an undisputed starter, especially under Mikel Arteta’s command, put his continuity at Arsenal in question. His English adventure, which began nearly a decade ago at Manchester City, seems to be nearing its end, with the possibility of signing a pre-contract with another club as early as January 2027. And Palmeiras, where it all began, emerges as the most desired destination.
In statements to Globoesporte, Gabriel Jesus was clear: “Obviously my situation at Arsenal has changed compared to what it was before, but my main focus today continues to be making things happen here, helping in whatever way the coach needs, and then, obviously, at the end of the season, we start thinking.” The forward maintains his ambition but does not want to rush decisions.
Despite his long-standing connection to Palmeiras, Gabriel Jesus does not see himself as an idol of the club where he developed. “I, personally, do not consider myself an idol of Palmeiras. I didn’t stay long, I won two titles. It is obvious that we are talking about the 2016 Brasileirão, a championship that the club had not won in a long time and I had a big impact, but no one wins a championship alone,” he explained. For him, true idol status requires a longer and more consistent story, unlike his brief stint, despite the titles won — the 2015 Copa do Brasil and the 2016 Brasileirão, which ended a 22-year drought for the club.
Gabriel Jesus further emphasized: “I don’t come close to the players who have been at Palmeiras for many years, who are winning titles every year.” To become an idol, according to the forward, “many factors are needed, not just two titles.” His desire to return is fueled by the ambition to win even more: “My desire is to one day return to Palmeiras and win more titles. Because I have already tasted the joy of winning titles at Palmeiras. And it is something that is still within me, it is a very strong desire.” However, he stressed that this dream also depends on an official proposal from the Brazilian club.
Coach Abel Ferreira was another focus of Gabriel Jesus’s statements, who did not hold back in praising the Portuguese manager, whom he considers “the greatest coach in Palmeiras history.” He highlighted Abel’s deep connection to the club, which is different from what is usual in Brazil, where many coaches use South American teams as a stepping stone. “Normally we see so many coaches who go to Brazil, win one or two titles, and leave; they really use it as a trampoline. Abel is not like that, it’s totally different; the identification he has with Palmeiras is very strong,” said the forward.
Gabriel Jesus also revealed his strong personal and professional relationship with Abel Ferreira: “I had the opportunity to talk with him for more than an hour a couple or three times when I trained at Palmeiras; we always had good conversations about football and life. He is someone who cares a lot.” This connection could be a decisive factor in his potential return.
The stage is set: Gabriel Jesus, amidst doubts at Arsenal and a burning desire to return to Palmeiras, keeps a door open to coming back home and, who knows, finally becoming a true idol. With Abel Ferreira at the helm, the chemistry seems perfect for a new era of success at the Brazilian giant. It remains to be seen whether the coming months will bring a surprising twist to the Brazilian forward’s fate.
This article first appeared on Apito Final.
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