Gabriel Jesus Takes Barcelona’s No. 9 Shirt After Arsenal Exit

Gabriel Jesus has completed his move from Arsenal to Barcelona, with the Brazil international set to wear the club’s iconic No. 9 shirt following Robert Lewandowski’s departure.

Jesus has signed a three-year contract with the Spanish champions and will now begin a new chapter under manager Hansi Flick.

The 29-year-old striker inherits a shirt number that has been worn by some of Barcelona’s most celebrated forwards, including Ronaldo Nazário, Romário, Patrick Kluivert, Samuel Eto’o, Zlatan Ibrahimović and Luis Suárez.

Jesus will be expected to shoulder some of the goalscoring responsibility at Camp Nou as he attempts to establish himself in Flick’s attack and help the club compete for domestic and European honours.

The former Manchester City forward spoke positively about Barcelona’s Brazilian tradition during his unveiling, acknowledging the influence of the country’s football greats who previously represented the club.

“Many legends from Brazil have passed through and they all have their importance in the history of this incredible club,” Jesus said.

He recalled watching Barcelona as a youngster and being particularly inspired by Ronaldinho and Deco.

“I’ve already said many times that I watched the Champions League when I was a child and skipped school to see Ronaldinho and Deco,” he said.

“Ronaldinho was one of the great Brazilians in history and what he did here was great.”

Jesus arrives at Barcelona after recovering from a serious anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury that disrupted his final period at Arsenal.

The striker, however, assured supporters that he is now physically ready for the demands of his new club.

“My knee and my body are fine, I’m ready to give my best,” he said.

His move brings an end to his spell at Arsenal, where injuries limited his consistency after joining the Premier League club from Manchester City.

At Barcelona, Jesus will face competition for places in an attacking line-up expected to play a key role in Flick’s plans for the new season.

The Brazilian’s ability to operate as a central striker or from wider positions could give the German manager additional options in attack.

Much will now depend on whether Jesus can regain his best form and stay fit as he takes on the responsibility associated with one of Barcelona’s most famous shirt numbers.