Gabriel Jesus has not been forgotten.

After a decade of pursuing different paths, Gabriel Jesus returned to Giuseppe Meazza, making his mark against Inter Milan in the Champions League on the morning of January 22nd and rekindling the unfinished story of their relationship.

Gabriel Jesus is trying to regain his form.

Ten years ago, Gabriel Jesus was very close to joining Inter. At that time, Suning had just taken over the club, had big ambitions, and a ready budget. Inter agreed to pay 30 million euros to Palmeiras, seeing Jesus as a leap forward for their new project. Everything seemed to be settled.

One phone call changed destiny.

But football rarely follows straight lines. A phone call from Pep Guardiola changed the course of the 19-year-old's career.

Manchester City appeared, offering 32 million euros, a figure equivalent to Inter's offer. Jesus chose Pep Guardiola's project, where he was promised development in an environment of ball control, pressing, and top-level competition.

Inter, in an attempt to "put out the fire," turned to Gabigol. History then made it clear. Jesus won titles, solidifying his position in Europe. Gabigol failed, leaving the continent quietly. Two choices, two paths, two destinies.

Therefore, when Gabriel Jesus returned to Giuseppe Meazza in an Arsenal shirt, the story was more than just a Champions League match. It was about memories, regrets, and a reminder of decisions that shaped an entire decade.

Gabriel Jesus scored a brace in Arsenal's 3-1 victory over Inter Milan.

Gabriel Jesus entered the match against Inter not as a celebrated star. Prior to that, he had been going through the most difficult period of his career. An anterior cruciate ligament injury had sidelined him, causing him to lose his rhythm and standing at Arsenal.

Arsenal's €80 million investment in Viktor Gyökeres is a clear signal. Jesus is no longer the absolute center of their plans.

The future of the Brazilian striker is in question, especially with his contract expiring in 2027. Rumors of his departure have begun to surface, although Arsenal officials have denied the possibility of him leaving in January.

In that context, the Champions League became the stage for Jesus to make his presence felt. Against Inter, he didn't just score. He played with the confidence, sharpness, and composure of a striker who had once competed at the highest levels. His two decisive moments at Meazza were not only significant in terms of skill, but also a clear affirmation: Gabriel Jesus is far from finished.

More importantly, that performance showed he had overcome the psychological barrier after his injury. His agile movement, intelligent positioning, and neat finishing in the penalty area—the qualities that once defined Jesus—returned. Not flashy, not ostentatious, but enough to remind everyone that he is still a top-class striker.

Inter, Arsenal, and the crossroads ahead.

The irony of football lies in the fact that Jesus rediscovered his glory against the very team that first pursued him. Today's Inter is very different from the Inter of 2016. More stable, more pragmatic, and competitive in Europe. But the memory of Gabriel Jesus's "missed opportunity" still brings a pang of sadness to many at Giuseppe Meazza.

Jesus reclaimed his former glory against the very team that first pursued him.

Conversely, his performances at Milan open up many possibilities for Jesus' future. He will turn 29 in April, a prime age for a striker. The Premier League remains a familiar destination, but a move to Italy is no longer far-fetched. Serie A always knows how to revive technically gifted and tactically astute strikers.

Guardiola has taken a different path with Haaland. Arsenal are in the process of restructuring their attack. The 2026 World Cup is approaching, and any Brazilian player understands that consistent performance at club level is a prerequisite for being given a chance. In that context, Gabriel Jesus cannot stand still.

It's worth noting that, at this point in time, he's no longer the "promising youngster" he was ten years ago. Jesus understands his own worth, knows which environment suits him best, and understands that each subsequent decision could be the final major decision of his peak career.

Gabriel Jesus once rejected Inter to follow Guardiola. Ten years later, he returned to Giuseppe Meazza as a game-changer. Football always operates in such strange cycles. And Jesus' story is clear proof: not every choice can be undone, but there are always moments to prove that the path taken was not meaningless.

Source: https://znews.vn/gabriel-jesus-chua-bi-lang-quen-post1621847.html