Arsenal striker Gabriel Jesus, who boasts significant Champions League experience from his time at Manchester City, has voiced his belief that the Gunners can clinch the prestigious trophy as they embark on their first campaign in the competition in seven years.
Arsenal is set to face PSV Eindhoven in their much-anticipated return to the Champions League on Wednesday night.
In a pre-match press conference, Gabriel Jesus revealed the palpable excitement within the Arsenal team.
He shared a glimpse of the camaraderie that has engulfed the Arsenal squad, recounting moments in the gym where players playfully embraced the iconic Champions League anthem.
“I think everyone is happy, the club, the players, the fans because it’s a long time since we played in this competition. Now Arsenal are back,” Jesus said.
“Yesterday some of them were joking in the gym and putting on the [Champions League] music.”
He stressed the significance of Arsenal’s participation in the Champions League, asserting that a club of Arsenal’s stature should not be absent from such a prestigious tournament.
“A club like Arsenal cannot stay without playing this competition,” Jesus added.
The Brazilian striker acknowledged that while some members of the squad are making their Champions League debut, he believes they are well-equipped to handle the pressures of the competition.
“I think everyone here is experienced in how to control emotions. Some of them it’s their first time playing the Champions League. It’s a different competition but I still think everyone will do good,” Jesus said.
When questioned about Arsenal’s chances of securing their first Champions League title, Jesus left no room for doubt.
“Of course, all the competitions, all the trophies, we go to win the competition,” he declared emphatically.
“If you think the opposite, we are wrong because we’re playing for Arsenal. We have to believe.
“We have to trust the manager, players, and the club, and we have to go for it.”
As Arsenal’s faithful prepare to witness their team’s return to the grand stage of European football, Gabriel Jesus’s optimism resonates as a rallying cry for Gunners supporters and a testament to the renewed vigour surrounding the club’s Champions League aspirations.