Gabriel Jesus says he is ready to compete with Raphinha for a starting position at Barcelona after making an encouraging start to life at the club.
The 29-year-old Brazil forward joined Barcelona from Arsenal in the summer for a reported €10 million, having been deemed surplus to requirements by Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta.
Jesus was not the high-profile striker signing some Barcelona supporters had been hoping for, but he has impressed despite limited playing time. He scored in Barcelona’s 5-1 Champions League victory over Feyenoord.
However, opportunities in attack have been restricted by Raphinha’s outstanding form. The Brazil international has scored eight goals and supplied three assists in his six games.
“Rapha is scoring goals. He plays every game, he deserves it,” Jesus told Tot Costa.
“I’m going to try to compete and wait for my opportunity to play more and get more minutes.”
Jesus also made clear that he wants to contribute in important moments rather than only add to a comfortable scoreline.
“I want to score goals and help, and I don’t want to do it when it’s 2 or 3 or 4-0, I want to score important goals.”