Last season, the 23-year-old, who has scored 15 goals in 25 European appearances for City, became the youngest Brazilian player ever to net ten goals in the competition.
Embarking on his fourth edition of the tournament this season, he has helped Pep Guardiola‘s men to secure progression to the knock-out stages for an eighth consecutive season.
Though now experienced in European competition, the striker admitted the Champions League still ignites a passion and excitement inside, stirring memories of his early life back home in Brazil.
SUBSCRIBE TO THE OFFICIAL MAN CITY PODCAST
Speaking in an interview with Champions Journal, Gabriel Jesus and compatriot Ederson opened up on their early memories, moves to Manchester, best footballing qualities and even their dressing room music of choice.
Ahead of Tuesday night’s trip to Porto, forward Jesus expressed his personal pride for his Champions League participation, adding City are still ‘maturing’ in our quest for European success.
“The truth is that to win the Champions League you need an extra something – and this team has been maturing,” he declared.
“When I’m in the tunnel waiting to go onto the field and I hear the song, I get very emotional.
“I remember my past, when I wanted to be a football player. I would sometimes skip school to watch some games – I hope my mother doesn’t see this interview!
“To be able to play today, to make my mark in this competition, makes me very happy.”
On his Champions League goalscoring record, Gabriel Jesus remained ever-humble, asserting he hopes to see another young Brazilian emulate the achievement one day.
Still young and learning, the forward stated he believes he can improve still further in his quest to ‘seek perfection.’
“Each player writes his own history and I’m writing mine,” he continued.
“I’m obviously happy to have set that record but I hope younger players can break it, as this would mean a good thing for Brazil and Brazilians.
YOU CAN WATCH FULL-MATCH REPLAYS OF EVERY CITY GAME WITH A CITY+ SUBSCRIPTION
“I demand a lot from myself, as I’m a striker. I’ve long made a resolution that I must score plenty of goals.
“I know I have to improve on a daily basis, seeking perfection even if it’s unreachable. I must seek it by working hard every day to improve bit by bit.
“I want to always be playing and doing things, and enjoying what I love the most.
“I’ve gone through both happy and unhappy spells in my career, so I’ve been maturing more and more. I have to mature further still.”
Read the full interview with Gabriel Jesus and Ederson on ChampionsJournal.com.
