Man City new boy reveals the two clubs he rejected

Matt Stead

Gabriel Jesus has revealed the two clubs he turned down in the summer to join Manchester City and why.

Jesus moved to the Etihad Stadium for £27million in early August, but has yet to feature for his new club.

The former Palmeiras forward is currently in training, having spent much of the summer with the Brazilian national side, helping them win Olympic gold.

In an interview with Gazzetta dello Sport, the 19-year-old said that manager Pep Guardiola was the decisive factor in persuading him to move.

“It was not an easy decision to take, but I want to improve and that’s what made the difference in the end,” he said. “Working with a great manager like Guardiola is one more reason that has convinced me to join Manchester City.

“Guardiola’s role has been decisive. He gave me a call this summer and that was determining. I am delighted I’ll be working with him. I don’t know him personally, but he gave me guarantees about the project.”

Jesus then revealed the two clubs he turned down to join City.

“I said no to Inter and Juve, true. I am an AC Milan fan!” he said.

“Buffon and Totti are my role models. I watched them on TV and picked them in video games. My reference is Ronaldo. I like watching his videos, he won everything thanks to his extraordinary talent.”