Gabriel Jesus has revealed that he was suddenly forced to train away from his Arsenal teammates in the final days of his four-year spell at the club before completing his move to Barcelona.
The Brazilian forward was left out of Arsenal’s squad for their opening two matches of the season as the club prepared for his departure, with Barcelona eventually securing his services in a cut-price £8.6 million deal on transfer deadline day.
Jesus, speaking to SportyTV, said he had completed Arsenal’s pre-season preparations normally before being unexpectedly separated from the first-team group.
“The truth is I was training, I did all the pre-season training with Arsenal normal and then obviously I knew already that probably I will not play there or get some opportunity,” Jesus said.
“But no-one told me nothing.
“I’m a professional you know and then obviously I was training with the group and then from nothing they put me to train away from the group.”
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Despite the situation, Jesus said he continued working to maintain his fitness and remain ready for another opportunity at the highest level.
“I was training and doing my maximum to be ready if I have the chance to play in a high level again and then obviously in the last week it was very quick,” he added.
The move to Barcelona then came together rapidly, with Jesus revealing that discussions involving Barcelona sporting director Deco, the club president and his agent helped complete the transfer within a day.
“The work with Deco, and the president of the club, and my agent was amazing. In one day, it was sure that I would have the opportunity to come (to Barcelona). I said yes, straight away, no matter what and I am so happy to be here.”
Jesus had featured in all four of Arsenal’s official pre-season matches before his departure, although his playing time was limited across those fixtures.
His exit brought an end to a spell at Arsenal that began in 2022, when he arrived from Manchester City after five seasons at the Etihad Stadium.
The forward initially became an important part of Mikel Arteta’s attack, but his influence gradually diminished as competition for places increased.
His Arsenal career was also disrupted by a serious cruciate ligament injury that ruled him out for much of 2025.
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Nevertheless, Jesus remained part of the Arsenal squad that eventually ended the club’s long wait for the Premier League title, while making 123 appearances across competitions, scoring 32 goals and providing 22 assists.
Arteta paid tribute to the Brazilian after his departure was confirmed, highlighting the impact he had on Arsenal’s transformation under the Spanish manager.
“He was a massive contributor for us to change the dynamic and the energy in and around this club,” Arteta said.
“I think when Gabi came in he brought this energy, this belief within, this aura, that’s really helped achieve what happened next.
“And now, yeah, he has an amazing opportunity to enjoy one of the biggest clubs in the world, and a beautiful place to live as well, and we are happy for him.”
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Jesus has already begun his new chapter in Spain, making his Barcelona debut on Sunday when he came off the bench for the final 10 minutes of their 5-0 LaLiga victory over Valencia.
His first appearance for the Catalan giants came shortly after an Arsenal departure that, according to the forward himself, ended with an abrupt change to his training routine before the transfer was completed.
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