Manchester City youngster Gabriel Jesus says a phone call from Pep Guardiola was a big factor in his decision to make the move to England during the summer.
Jesus is yet to arrive in England, after City agreed to allow the 19-year-old to remain with Palmeiras until the conclusion of the Brazilian first division.
The highly-rated teenager says the decision was by no means easy, with a number of high profile European clubs, including Barcelona and PSG reportedly keen on his signature.
“It was a complicated decision, but in the end my desire to learn won,” Jesus told The Guardian.
“The presence of Guardiola as a manager at City and the fact that it is a great club were very important factors in my final decision.
“Guardiola’s phone call was a huge part of me deciding to go there. It made me realise that I’d love to work with him. I don’t know him personally yet but he already made me feel very safe about his project there.”
And the youngster is well aware he has a number of stars with to compete with in order to work his way into the first-team.
“I think I will fight for a place as a winger in the team,” he said.
“I actually prefer playing as a left winger rather than a striker, but I just want to be very clear that I’m willing to play in either position.
“I am often prepared to give up a position high on the pitch and help out defensively because some good marking and tackling can result in a goal for my team in the end. I’d like to think that I’m a versatile player.”
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