Gabriel Jesus has unfinished business in the Champions League—and he believes Barcelona could give him the perfect opportunity to change that.
The 29-year-old Brazilian made the admission during his unveiling after completing a €15 million transfer from Arsenal on a three-year contract.
Jesus has already experienced the heartbreak of losing a Champions League final twice. Now, after joining Barcelona, he hopes the story can finally have a different ending.
You might want to read this: Enzo Fernández Explains Why He Chose Manchester City
Jesus Targets Champions League Glory
The forward first reached the final with Manchester City in 2021, entering the match as a substitute before City suffered a narrow defeat against Chelsea in Porto.
His second final came with Arsenal in May.
The Gunners were beaten by Paris Saint-Germain in a penalty shootout after the teams finished level at 1-1 following extra time at Budapest’s Puskás Aréna on May 30. Arsenal’s Brazilian forward Gabriel missed his side’s decisive penalty.
Those experiences have only strengthened Jesus’ desire to lift the trophy.
Barcelona now represents his latest chance.
The Catalan giants have not won the Champions League since 2015, and Jesus arrives hoping to help end that long wait.
His European record gives him plenty of experience to draw on. He has made 57 Champions League appearances, scoring 26 goals and registering eight assists.
From Arsenal to Barcelona
Jesus’ move brings his Arsenal chapter to an end and gives him a fresh challenge in Spain.
Interestingly, Barcelona’s pursuit of the Brazilian followed a failed summer attempt to sign Atlético Madrid forward Julián Álvarez.
That led to questions over whether Jesus viewed himself as a second-choice option.
His answer was emphatic.
“That Doesn’t Bother Me”
Jesus made it clear that Barcelona’s initial interest in another striker does not affect his excitement about joining the club.
Being considered an alternative target is not what concerns him. What matters is the opportunity to play and contribute.
For Jesus, the real frustration would be finding himself on the sidelines.
That attitude could prove important at Barcelona, where competition for attacking positions is fierce.
After two painful Champions League defeats, Jesus now has another opportunity to chase the biggest prize in European football.
And this time, he hopes Barcelona can take him all the way.