Feeling Free Under Mikel Arteta's Training, Gabriel Jesus: He Knows Me, I Know He

Gabriel Jesus (Instagram @dejesusofic)

JAKARTA - Arsenal forward Gabriel Jesus admits he feels "expert" playing under Mikel Arteta. He also revealed that he left Manchester City this summer because he needed change after five years at the Etihad Stadium under Pep Guardiola.

Jesus joined Arsenal from City in a £45 million transfer after failing to become a regular in the Premier League champions' first team.

The Brazilian international started half last season with City and is usually set up as a winger considering Guardiola prefers to be false-nine.

"The problem is how (Guardiola) understands football and what he wants," Jesus told ESPN Brazil, quoted by Antara, Friday.

"So it's up to you to accept it or not. If you don't accept it, 'thank you' and let's just find other challenges."

"I accepted it for a while, but there was a time when I said 'I want something else for myself.' I thank him, 'thank you to everyone,' he understood, and finished."

At City, it's different. Strikers don't touch the ball much, you see this by watching their game. And, when it's time to touch the ball, it's not the striker, but the nearest midfielder. Okay, fine. So, I decided to change."

Jesus made an impressive start at Emirates scoring four goals and three assists for Arsenal's top Premier League side after seven games.

The 25-year-old praised Arteta's style of play that previously coached Jesus when he was Guardiola's assistant at Man City.

I talked a lot with Arteta about Arsenal's style, added Jesus. "He knows me, I know him, I understand what he wants from me. Now, I'm free on the pitch, playing football with a smile on my face and trying to do my best all the time."

Arsenal and Jesus will try to get on with a good start against Tottenham in north London's derby tomorrow Saturday.

"All the players talked about the derby," said Jesus. I had some derby experience, like when I played for Palmeiras, City and Brazil. So, I know what derby is."