Arsenal and Brazil star Gabriel Jesus has hit back at his critics who believe he isn’t scoring enough goals.
Jesus has been a substitute for both of Brazil’s World Cup games so far, and while he has performed well in Qatar, he has paled in comparison to his teammates including Richarlison and Vinicius Junior.
The forward’s form for the Gunners since moving to the Emirates for £45million over the summer has also received a mixed reception from fans and pundits.
While he has spearheaded their attack and played a big role in Mikel Arteta’s side’s rise to the top of the Premier League, there is also concern that the 25-year-old has underperformed when it comes to finding the back of the net.
Just five league goals, and none since October 1st, puts him way behind the likes of Erling Haaland and Harry Kane, though it should be noted only Kevin De Bruyne and Bukayo Saka have created more than his five assists.
But speaking to Apostagolos after Brazil’s 1-0 win over Switzerland on Monday evening, Jesus insisted that his lack of goals did not matter, saying: ‘Of course I’m the player who should score every now and then, I’m here for the goals.
‘When I’m on the field I try to score, but I also try to help. When we win, I’m happy too. To be honest, I’m not thinking about that. If I get a chance, I’ll score. I’m sure.
‘No, I don’t think [my finishing is a problem]. We can talk about finishing, but the most appropriate thing is to talk about the chances I had. It’s different football here and at Arsenal.
‘Even though I had a few chances and I lost, I’m sure it’s not about submitting. I started the season so well and nobody was asking about it. But it’s not a problem. I’ll kick the ball into the net soon and I won’t stop again.’
With two wins from two games and no goals conceded, Brazil are heavy favourites to win their first World Cup for 20 years ahead of the likes of France and Spain.
Even with star player Neymar injured, their squad is perhaps the most well-balanced and star-studded of any team in Qatar and Jesus believes their time has come.
He added: ‘It is clear. This is Brazil, you know. We have a story to take care of. And we just want to go out there and have fun playing football.
‘We have a lot of amazing qualities up front and in the middle. Even on defense.
‘We’re trying to play our football in the style you said, but you know what’s more important? That we try to help each other on the field. Run from all sides to help catch the ball and move it to attack.’
Brazil’s final group game will be against Cameroon on Friday.
MORE : How England will line up against Wales for crucial World Cup clash
MORE : ‘I don’t know how he does it!’ – Gary Neville hails Chelsea star Thiago Silva after Brazil beat Switzerland
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