Gabriel Jesus hits out at Arsenal over treatment before Barcelona transfer

Gabriel Jesus has criticised Arsenal over the way his time at the Emirates ended, revealing he was suddenly removed from first-team training without receiving an explanation from the club.

The Brazilian completed a move to Barcelona after finding himself outside Mikel Arteta’s plans, but says the speed and manner of his Arsenal exit caught him by surprise.

Jesus had completed the entire pre-season with the first team and already understood that his opportunities could be limited. What frustrated him was the lack of communication before his situation changed.

Speaking to SportyTV, Jesus explained that nobody at Arsenal had formally told him he was no longer part of the first-team group.

“The truth is, I was training, I did the entire preseason normally with Arsenal, and I already knew that, probably, I wouldn't play as much or wouldn't have as many opportunities. But nobody told me anything,” Jesus said.

“I’m a professional, obviously I was training with the group, and out of nowhere they put me to train apart from the group.”

Jesus insists he continued working hard to ensure he would be ready if an opportunity arrived, but his situation changed rapidly during the final week of the transfer window.

With his Arsenal future increasingly clear, Barcelona provided Jesus with an escape route.

The 29-year-old credited sporting director Deco, the Barcelona president and his agent with completing the move quickly once the opportunity became available.

“When we were sure that I had the opportunity to come, obviously I said yes straight away, no matter what,” he explained.

“Now I'm so happy to be here.”

The move gives Jesus an opportunity to restart his career in Spain after his Arsenal spell ended in circumstances he clearly found disappointing.

For Arsenal, meanwhile, his comments raise questions about how his departure was handled behind the scenes. Jesus appeared prepared to accept a reduced role, but being separated from the squad without the communication he expected ultimately left a bitter impression.

Jesus can now focus on establishing himself at Barcelona and putting his difficult Arsenal exit behind him. His comments, however, provide a revealing insight into how quickly his position changed during his final days in North London.