Inter Milan 1-3 Arsenal: Gabriel Jesus enjoys two-goal haul for Gunners
Gabriel Jesus said he had “tears in my eyes” after scoring and assisting on two goals Arsenal defeated Inter 3-1 They guaranteed to qualify for the last 16 of the Champions League.
The 28-year-old was making only his third appearance since returning in December after an 11-month absence due to an anterior cruciate ligament injury.
Jesus has been at Arsenal for four seasons but feels he has only played “one and a half or two” after suffering a series of setbacks.
The Brazilian striker showed his quality after his comeback; He scored an excellent fourth goal in Arsenal’s 4-1 win over Aston Villa last month but was at his best against Inter.
“This is a dream night,” Jesus told Amazon Prime after Arsenal maintained their 100% record by winning a club record seventh consecutive Champions League this season.
“I always dreamed of being a football player. I watched it when I was a kid. I watched Serie A a lot, so being here in this stadium and scoring a goal here brings tears to my eyes because I always dreamed of being here.
“Things always happen for a reason, whether it’s good things or difficult things. I learned that during my 11 months off the field.
“It is always difficult to play against Inter Milan. We came here last season and lost. Tonight we played better than them, we controlled them, but they are a top team and they attack.
“In the end we scored and got the three points. We have to keep going because we have another point at the weekend.”
His two goals ended a run of 10 matches without scoring in the Champions League; The last one came in a 6-0 win over Lens on 29 November 2023.
Gunners fans have been calling for Jesus to start since returning to full fitness in the summer window, with Viktor Gyokeres struggling for form and goals.
The Swede got on the scoresheet with some good curling work in Milan, but Arsenal’s late third was his second from open play in his last 13 games.
But Gyokeres has scored twice in his last three games after beating Chelsea in the Carabao Cup semi-final first leg, while Kai Havertz offers another striker option after returning from a knee injury.
“Everyone wants to get started,” Jesus added. “I am a very respectful man. I am not a child anymore, I am 28 years old, so I understand football.
“I’m very happy that Vik came and scored. I’m very happy that I scored and Vik scored. I’m sure Kai will score when he gets the opportunity.”
