GABRIEL JESUS says faith in God helped him during his injury hell – and religion is an integral part of the Arsenal dressing room.
The Brazilian No.9 is on the road to full recovery following his ACL injury that wiped out almost the whole of 2025.
A first-half brace in the 3-1 Champions League win over Inter Milan at the San Siro underlined why he could be the saviour in the Gunners’ Premier League title charge.
Jesus, 28, claims his commitment to Christianity, which came late in his life, was the key support he needed while on the sidelines, especially as he reads the Bible every day.
And as the club eyes a first league Championship since the Invincibles in 2004 – as well as a maiden Champions League crown – divine inspiration is a key asset of the campaign under boss Mikel Arteta.
Asked how important faith has been to him during this time, the Sao Paulo striker said: “I think first it affects your life, your whole life out of football.
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“For me that’s the important thing about this because I’m the type of person that talks about what I live.
“If I’m not living that, it’s better to not talk. I don’t want to talk one way and then live another life.
“Three years ago, I accepted Jesus and then from there I started to learn. I started to read the Bible every day.
“Then I decided to get baptised and from then obviously I’m living for Jesus. In the team we have a lot of players that have the same belief.
“We talk about the things that we want to talk about, how Jesus and God is with us.
“And then before the games, we have some time together to talk about it as well.
“I think it helps every single one of us because we are brothers.
“So then when someone is not happy or is not really there, if you say a word, maybe he can come back and be strong again. So that’s amazing to have in the team.”
Jesus came to the Emirates in 2022 for £45million, having won four Prems with Manchester City, plus the FA Cup and three League Cups.
Arsenal are on course for an incredible Quadruple – they lead 3-2 over Chelsea from the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-finals and have a winnable home game against League One Wigan in the FA Cup fourth round.
The South American has brought a winning mentality to North London – but he has so far yet to taste silverware in red and white colours.
Jesus said: “I pray every day to be healthy because that’s the most important thing.
“Obviously I want to help the team with goals. I know that I only came back just a few weeks ago but I’m in a brilliant place because I’ve played a few games.
“The knee is feeling great, my whole body. After such a big injury some players have setbacks, so for me I hope it’s different.
“I want to keep on this track, keep on getting minutes. The main target is to be healthy and then to win trophies.
“I’m a good guy, who always wants to work. I’m an honest guy.
“Of course, sometimes everyone has their own frustrations and stuff like that but I always try to be me all the time.
“I was out for 11 months, which is the biggest time I’ve been without football in my life. So it was really tough.
“But at the same time, it was a time to reflect on my life, to get more close to Jesus. And without that, probably I would not be like this strong in my head.”
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