Gabriel Jesus ecstatic after Barcelona debut against Valencia: ‘I love football and I love Barça’

Gabriel Jesus ecstatic after Barcelona debut against Valencia: ‘I love football and I love Barça’ Having joined FC Barcelona only a week ago, Gabriel Jesus made his debut for the club this past weekend against Valencia. The 29-year-old striker’s signing was announced on transfer deadline day, with Barça roping him in from Arsenal in a deal worth €10 million plus add-ons. Jesus has signed a three-year contract with the club and got his chance to make his first appearance against Valencia at Mestalla on Sunday. Jesus delighted The Brazilian striker came on for Pedri in the 80th minute, with the Blaugrana comfortably leading 4-0 at the time. He played for the final ten minutes and had one shot at goal. Speaking to club media after his official debut for Barcelona, Jesus expressed his delight at having taken the field for the first time after his transfer. “I’m very happy to have played my first match in this shirt,” he said. Providing an update on his physical condition, Jesus added: “I feel physically good, but I need more match sharpness. I’m very happy with the minutes I got today.” Jesus was also overjoyed at the performance of Barcelona, who went on to win 5-0 on the evening, as he said: “We have a very great team full of quality and we play beautiful football.” “I love football and I love Barcelona. This is the way I love playing. It makes me very happy,” he added. Concluding, he noted that he intends to make the most of whatever chance he gets on the pitch, saying: “I have to make the most of my chances to play.” Jesus made his debut vs Valencia. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images) A low-cost gamble Jesus arrives at Barcelona after having not played regularly over the past year and a half at Arsenal due to an ACL injury he suffered back in 2025. Therefore, his signing represents a gamble for Barcelona, who lost both their main centre-forwards, Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres, this summer. However, at €10 million, Jesus is more than a bargain, given the experience he brings to the table, as well as the fact that he fits very well into the style of play Hansi Flick employs. So, if Barcelona manage his workload carefully and keep him fit for the duration of the season, it could prove to be a very smart piece of business from Deco & co.