‘Tears in my eyes’ – Jesus enjoys ‘dream night’ in San Siro

The 28-year-old had an anterior cruciate ligament injury that had limited his previous starts in December. He returned in December.

Jesus has endured a number of setbacks while playing for Arsenal, but he feels like he has only played “one and a half or two” so far, despite having played there for four seasons.

The Brazil forward has shown signs of improvement since his comeback, scoring an excellent fourth goal against Inter last month in the club’s 4-1 win over Aston Villa.

After the Gunners maintained a 100% record in the Champions League this season with a club-record seventh consecutive victory, Jesus declared, “It’s a dream night”.

I had a lifelong desire to play football. When I was younger, I watched. I watched a lot of Serie A, so I was thrilled to be playing in this stadium because I had always wanted to be there.

Whatever the reason for something to happen, whether it’s good or bad, is always there. During my 11 months of field absence, I learned that.

“It’s always challenging to play against Inter Milan. Last season, we visited and lost. Even though they are a top team, they attack, and we played better than them tonight.

We received the three points at the conclusion. Because there will be another one over the weekend, we must continue.

His two goals, which came in a 6-0 victory over Lens on November 29, 2023, put an end to a string of 10 Champions League games that ended with no goals.

Since returning to full fitness as a summer signing Viktor Gyokeres struggled for form and goals, Gunners fans have been asking for Jesus to start.

The Swede hit a fine curling effort in Milan to put the game on the line for Arsenal’s final goal in the closing third of his 13 games.

Gyokeres, who scored in the Carabao Cup semi-final first-leg victory over Chelsea, does have two goals in his last three games, while Kai Havertz, who returned from a knee injury, offers another forward option.

“Everyone wants to start,” added Jesus. I have a lot of respect for people. I now understand football because I’m older than I am.

For the first time this season, two centre-forwards scored in the same game for the Gunners, with Gyokeres and Jesus both on target in Milan.

Manager Mikel Arteta expressed his disappointment with Gabi. Because we now have different profiles in that position, like we do with the wingers and in other positions, I believe it will raise his confidence levels and the team’s.

“And the fact that the players are engaged in that kind of play.” Viktor [Gyokeres] enters the game and significantly improves it.

The former Manchester City forward’s two goals increased Jesus’ total to 26 in his 53rd season, with Neymar (44) and Jardel (45), the only Brazilians to have reached that number in fewer games.

In the end, it’s not even about the players competing for spots. Clarence Seedorf, a four-time Champions League champion, told Amazon Prime, “Jesus said, even if the next player comes, he will still score his goal to help the team.”

“These are words I like to hear because they are now entering a different level because, yes, they are competing, but whoever plays needs to do so.

“If I’m not playing, you’ll play better because the team will win the next game.” That’s what I like.

Wayne Rooney, whose former club Manchester United will face Premier League leaders Arsenal next on Sunday, said: “If I were Gabriel Jesus, I would say, “I want to start the game on Sunday.”