Following Gabriel Jesus’ move to Arsenal, Brazilian footballing star Ronaldinho has lauded his countryman as one of the best players in the Premier League.
Jesus joined Mikel Arteta’s team this summer in a £45 million signing following six seasons with Manchester City in the Premier League.
Since moving to the Emirates, the Brazilian has lost no time in winning over the Arsenal faithful. After a strong preseason, Jesus delivered a strong performance in Arsenal’s opening day triumph over Crystal Palace.
However, in Arsenal’s 4-2 triumph against Leicester last weekend, Jesus demonstrated his full potential and demonstrated why he was so highly wanted by Mikel Arteta, scoring twice and assisting on the team’s other two goals in a world-class performance.
Ronaldinho has long admired Jesus, claiming in 2017 that the then-prospect had the ability to overtake Lionel Messi as the greatest player in the world.
The former Barcelona star stood by his daring statements in an interview with the Mirror:
‘When Gabriel joined Manchester City, I said he’d become one of the best players in the world.’ When given the opportunity, he showed what he was capable of, but at Manchester City, he was never offered the affection that a player of his caliber deserves. At Arsenal, he has been given the opportunity to be the focal point, he has been shown affection by both the coach and the supporters, and he is already repaying that.’ He continued.
Ronaldinho, never one to back down from a forecast, went on to say that he believes Jesus can establish himself as one of Europe’s finest players as part of Arteta’s Arsenal:
‘This season, I expect tremendous things from him; he will reward the faith that has been placed in him by demonstrating that he is not just one of the finest players in the Premier League, but also in Europe.’
Arsenal will try to extend their unbeaten start to the season against newly promoted Bournemouth on Saturday.