Gabriel Jesus: 'I Never Begged Arteta for Playing Time'
Arsenal forward Gabriel Jesus denies pleading with Mikel Arteta for more playing time, emphasizing his commitment to earning his place through performance.
Gabriel Jesus, the Brazilian forward for Arsenal, has responded to recent criticism about his performance and lack of playing time this season. Despite limited opportunities, Jesus showcased his abilities by scoring a hat-trick in Arsenal's League Cup victory over Crystal Palace, silencing some of his detractors.
In an interview with The Sun, Jesus stated, "I never went to Arteta's office to beg for game time or to ask him to play me. This is the truth. I believe in proving my worth through performance."
He further addressed the criticism regarding his goal tally, saying, "People keep repeating that I’ve played 20 games but scored only one goal. What they don’t mention is that in many matches, I only had five or ten minutes on the pitch. Even if I score 10 goals, they’ll ask why it’s not 20!"
Under manager Mikel Arteta, Jesus has faced competition for a starting spot, with the Spaniard opting for other players in key Premier League and Champions League matches. However, the forward remains determined to prove his value to the team.
Jesus’ recent performance against Crystal Palace has rekindled hope for his increased involvement as Arsenal aims to maintain their strong run in domestic and European competitions.