Gabriel Jesus has spoken on his omission from the recent Brazil squad ahead of the international break. The 25-year-old, who has enjoyed a great start to life at Arsenal this season, admitted he can still improve in order to earn a place at the Qatar World Cup.
He has featured seven times for Mikel Arteta's side in the Premier League so far this season, directly contributing towards seven goals. Jesus' impressive displays have allowed him to finally begin to fulfil his true potential afters years of progress hampered by rotation at Manchester City.
With the World Cup just around the corner, the striker has played in a number of qualifying games and proved his worth. But, in the final break before the competition commences, Roberto Firmino and Richarlison are among those who have been named ahead of him.
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"There was (contact), after the call-up, yes," Jesus told ESPN Brasil, as quoted by Sport Witness. "I respect the coach’s decision a lot, I respect Tite, the entire staff.
"As I said, I’m Brazilian, I’ll always root for the team. And I also respect the other players, who have a lot of quality. I’ll keep doing my best to have the opportunity again.
"What is in my control is my performance. I will always try to give my best, finish the plays," he added. "Today I had some chances that I could also improve a little more, I know. I’ve been training, trying to do my best."
Arteta has already explained to Tite, the Brazil boss, why Jesus is a 'phenomenal' option to lead the frontline. Speaking in the post-match press conference from Arsenal's clash with Sevilla in pre-season, the Spaniard said: "You cannot do that if players at the front are walking, they are not tracking, they don’t have that instinct and that intention to provoke things that we want and Gabby is phenomenal at that."
On what Jesus brings to the team, Arteta added: "His versatility is well known. Now we are using him as a nine, he can play as a winger, off the left and the right. You can play with two strikes as we have done in pre-season as well and change the shape a little bit. He gives us a lot of flexibility."
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