JESUS EYES TICKER-TAPE RIDE TO RUSSIA
GABRIEL JESUS is aiming to catapult himself into the World Cup this summer with a trophywinning blitz at Manchester City. The 20-year-old Brazil star has faced disappointment and disruption again this season after picking up a knee ligament injury at Crystal Palace on New Year’s Eve that left him in tears. But the City striker was boosted by Brazil boss Tite last month, while he was recovering from the injury. Tite has named Jesus in a 15-player list of untouchable stars who will definitely be in his 23-man squad for Russia.
Jesus (left), who scored on his return to City’s starting line-up last week, in the Champions League defeat by Basel, said: “I am really happy to be named by the Brazil manager, but I need to keep working and be focused.
“Obviously, Tite wants all his players to have a good run to the end of the season with our clubs and fight for a position in the squad.
“It has always been a dream for me to play for the Brazil national team and now to have the chance to play in a World Cup is an additional dream.
Trophies
“But I am just now focusing on playing well, training well and being the best that I can.
“When I accepted that I was coming to City I knew it was a big club with great players. I also knew my time at the club would be all about helping them fight for trophies until the end.”
Jesus suffered a metatarsal injury at Bournemouth last season that kept him out for 13 games, and his latest, 12-match absence, has left him hoping his bad luck is finally over.
“I hope there is no more! Before I came to City I was never injured,” he added. “It was the first time and the second time here at Manchester City – so hopefully it will be the last.”