Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has expressed surprise at Gabriel Jesus’ claims that he was isolated from the squad and given little information before his departure from the club.
Jesus ended his four-year spell with Arsenal in September before completing a move to Barcelona. The Brazilian striker subsequently revealed his disappointment over how the transfer was handled.
In an interview this week, Jesus claimed he was suddenly instructed to train away from his teammates and said he was not properly informed about what was happening.
Arteta, however, disputed the suggestion, insisting he had a private conversation with the striker before his departure and that their final discussions were based on mutual appreciation.
“Very surprised, to be fair. Especially because with Gabi, I had an individual talk in the dressing room,” Arteta told reporters on Friday.
“I don’t know what words were said; it’s fine. The words that we used were all about gratitude.”
The Arsenal manager has also faced questions over the club’s handling of another former player, Gabriel Martinelli, who joined Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal on September 3.
Former Arsenal striker Ian Wright recently said he was “uncomfortable” with what he perceived as a lack of communication between the club and Martinelli during his departure.
Arteta, however, pointed to Leandro Trossard’s recent return to Arsenal as evidence that the club maintains positive relationships with players who leave.
Trossard, who joined Besiktas in July, was present in Arsenal’s dressing room after watching the Gunners defeat Chelsea last weekend.
Arteta acknowledged that difficult decisions can sometimes create tension between managers and departing players.
“Sometimes I understand that when you have to deliver bad news, or news that people don’t expect, somebody has to be the bad cop. If I have to be, I have to be, and I understand,” he said.
The Arsenal boss said the more important test was how relationships developed in the months following a player’s departure.
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“What is important is normally what happens three months or six months later,” he added.
“When Trossard comes, he’s in the dressing room with all of us, the atmosphere and the relationship you have.
“Thank God, so far, that with all the players that left, at some point the relationship has been really good. I hope this is the same case.”
Arteta will now turn his attention to Arsenal’s Premier League trip to Sunderland on Saturday as the champions look to continue their campaign.
