What Brazil legend Rivaldo told Gabriel Jesus during US tour to help make him a goal machine for Arsenal
ARSENAL star signing Gabriel Jesus received some important advice from Brazilian legend Rivaldo that could help him become a goalscoring machine at the Emirates.
Jesus joined the Gunners from Manchester City following a £45million deal and has hit the ground running with four goals in four pre-season friendlies already.
Rivaldo, 50, watched his fellow Brazilian shine bright during the North Londoners' 4-0 win over Chelsea from the stands on Saturday in Orlando.
The 1999 Ballon d'Or winner had the chance to speak to the striker after the match and advised him to stay focused in order to start the season on the right foot next week.
The 50-year-old believes a good start by Jesus is "probably" crucial for Brazil's World Cup hopes in Qatar this winter.
Rivaldo told : "After moving from Man City to Arsenal the best thing that could happen for Gabriel Jesus was starting strongly with his new club.
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"That's exactly what's happened with Jesus scoring and assisting a lot in the pre-season, proving that he signed with the club to become one of its stars and a regular starter. This good start is crucial for his confidence.
"I spoke with Jesus after the Chelsea match, wishing him the best in this new phase of his career, praising his qualities as a player, and asking him to keep focused to start the new season very strongly.
"How he starts at the club will probably be crucial to his success with the Brazilian national team at the World Cup.
"I can only hope that he produces the goods for the Gunners early on - starting when Arsenal go to Crystal Palace next Friday - and heads to Qatar in top form, as Brazil's bid to win a sixth World Cup."
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Rivaldo is impressed with Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta's "excellent" overall work in pre-season.
The Barcelona legend believes Arteta could help his team challenge for silverware this coming season.
Rivaldo added: "I was at the stadium to watch Arsenal's 4-0 win against Chelsea in a friendly match and I had the opportunity to check close up the Gunners' evolution under Mikel Arteta.
"A good pre-season is important to boost their confidence at the start of season - especially after they fell away at the end of last season - and I was encouraged by what I saw.
"Arsenal were in control against Chelsea. It was a great Arsenal performance with a well-organized defence and a very quick and clinical attack, so I imagine that Arsenal may battle for some titles this season.
"At the end of the match, I talked with Arteta and congratulated him on his excellent work so far by bringing the club into a good place before the start of the new season."
