Gabriel Jesus has described the prospect of playing his first El Clasico for Barcelona as a dream, admitting that representing the Catalan club was an ambition he had expressed long before joining them.
The Brazilian forward, who joined the club from Arsenal in the summer, is relishing Sunday’s meeting with Real Madrid at the Spotify Camp Nou.
He arrives for the game in impressive form, having scored four goals and provided one assist in his first seven official appearances for the Blaugrana.
Gabriel Jesus fulfils Barcelona dream with first El Clasico
Speaking during the media day organised by the club ahead of Sunday’s clash with Real Madrid, Gabriel Jesus made no secret of his excitement about potentially experiencing the rivalry for the first time in Barcelona colours.
“Playing in this Clasico for the first time is truly a dream. I have never hidden my desire to wear the Barcelona shirt one day,” he told Brazilian streaming and entertainment channel CazeTV (h/t AS).
“I said that in several interviews many years ago, and that ambition also included playing in El Clasico,” he added.
Living the dream. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images)
The 29-year-old is already familiar with high-pressure matches, having featured in major derbies during his career in Brazil and England.
However, he recognises the unique standing of Barcelona’s rivalry with Real Madrid in world football.
“I have played in many matches of this magnitude throughout my life, such as Palmeiras against Corinthians and several others in England. But Barcelona against Real Madrid is undoubtedly one of the biggest matches in the world,” he added.
Gabriel Jesus has already scored three goals against Real Madrid
Although this would be his first El Clasico as a Barcelona player, Jesus has previous experience of facing Real Madrid from his time at Manchester City.
The Brazilian scored three times against the Spanish capital giants in memorable Champions League encounters.
Gabriel Jesus has previously scored against Real Madrid. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images)
Reflecting on those matches, he recalled: “They were memorable Champions League ties, including a goal at the Bernabeu, in which we had the opportunity to qualify on both occasions.”
His previous record against Real Madrid gives him a useful reference point ahead of Sunday’s encounter, although his role in the Barcelona starting lineup remains a decision for head coach Hansi Flick.
Jesus has made an encouraging start to life at Barcelona, recording four goals and an assist across seven appearances.
That contribution has put him in a strong position to compete for opportunities as the La Liga champions prepare for one of their biggest fixtures of the season.