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Pep's prayer

Manchester City striker Gabriel Jesus reveals Pep Guardiola called him to convince him of Etihad move

Brazilian reveals a personal conversation with the City boss helped make up his mind with United, Real and Barca all chasing him

GABRIEL JESUS revealed a personal phone call from Pep Guardiola persuaded him to join Manchester City.

The Brazilian was signed by the Etihad club from Palmeiras in a £27million deal in 2016 but was chased by United, Barcelona, Real Madrid and Juventus.

 Gabriel Jesus has revealed how Pep Guardiola convinced him to join Manchester City
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Gabriel Jesus has revealed how Pep Guardiola convinced him to join Manchester CityCredit: PA:Press Association

But Pep's personal touch of talking directly to him convinced Jesus, 20, that City was the place for him to progress his career.

Talking to FourFourTwo, Jesus said: “Guardiola called me up and said I would be a very important part of his project.

“This obviously made me feel wanted and was a big factor in helping me pick City as my next club.

"There had been a lot of clubs interested in signing me at the time, but the one I felt most confident in was City.”

 Gabriel Jesus says Pep Guardiola phoned him to get him to join Manchester City
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Gabriel Jesus says Pep Guardiola phoned him to get him to join Manchester CityCredit: PA:Press Association
 Gabriel Jesus has been on fine goalscoring form this season
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Gabriel Jesus has been on fine goalscoring form this seasonCredit: Reuters

Jesus remained with Palmeiras 0n loan until January this year where he burst onto the scene scoring three goals in as many league games.

But the 206 Olympic Gold medallist was ruled out for ten weeks after breaking his metatarsal but still managed to net in the final three games upon his return.


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Jesus also revealed how Guardiola met him at the training ground as soon as he touched down and knew he was a special manager.

He added: “When I landed in Manchester, I came straight to the training ground – I didn’t even go to my hotel.

 Gabriel Jesus has scored eight goals for Manchester City this season
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Gabriel Jesus has scored eight goals for Manchester City this seasonCredit: Reuters
 Gabriel Jesus has helped fire Manchester City eight points clear
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Gabriel Jesus has helped fire Manchester City eight points clearCredit: Reuters

“He wanted me there. It was 6pm and training had been in the morning, but Pep waited for me to arrive.

"I realised he’s a different kind of manager.”

And it looks like Jesus made the right decision as City currently sit five points clear in the Premier League table.

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