Gabriel Jesus admitted he had “tears in my eyes” after scoring twice to inspire Arsenal to a 3–1 victory away at Inter Milan , sealing the Gunners’ place in the UEFA Champions League last 16.
The 28-year-old Brazil forward was making only his third start since returning in December from an 11-month absence with an anterior cruciate ligament injury. Despite being at Arsenal for four seasons, Jesus feels injuries have limited him to “one and a half or two” in terms of continuity.
On a landmark night at San Siro, Jesus looked back to his sharpest self, adding to flashes shown since his comeback—most notably an excellent strike in last month’s 4–1 win over Aston Villa .
“It’s a dream night,” Jesus told Amazon Prime after Arsenal maintained a perfect Champions League record this season, extending a club-record seventh straight win in the competition.
“I always dreamed of being a footballer. I watched a lot of Serie A when I was a kid, so to be here and score in this stadium brings tears to my eyes.”
Reflecting on his long rehabilitation, Jesus added: “There is always a reason things happen good or difficult. I learned that during my 11 months out.”
Arsenal, beaten here last season, controlled long spells despite Inter’s threat. “It is always difficult to play against Inter,” Jesus said. “We played better, controlled the game, and scored late to get the three points. Now we have to keep going.”
The brace ended a 10-match Champions League goal drought for Jesus, his previous strike coming in a 6–0 win over Lens in November 2023.
Supporters have been calling for Jesus to start regularly, particularly with summer signing Viktor Gyokeres battling for consistency. Gyokeres did find the net in Milan with a fine curling effort just his second from open play in 13 games while also scoring recently in the Carabao Cup semi-final first-leg win at Chelsea . Kai Havertz offers another option after returning from a knee injury.
“Everyone wants to start,” Jesus said. “I respect football. I’m happy I scored and that Vik scored. I’m confident Kai will score when he gets his chance.” It marked the first time this season two centre-forwards scored in the same game for Arsenal.
Manager Mikel Arteta welcomed the impact. “We’ve missed Gabi a lot,” he said. “This will raise his confidence and the team’s. We now have different profiles in that position. Viktor came on and made a great impact—it only makes us better.”
Jesus’ double took his Champions League tally to 26 goals in 53 appearances. Among Brazilians, only Neymar (44 games) and Jardel (45) reached 25 goals faster.
Former Champions League winner Clarence Seedorf praised the squad mentality. “It’s not about competition between players. Whoever plays must perform. When the team is winning, the next game becomes easier for everyone.”
With Manchester United visiting the Emirates on Sunday, Wayne Rooney believes Jesus has made his case. “If I were him, I’d be saying I want to start. He scored twice and played really well—he’s put it firmly in the manager’s mind.”
