Manchester City striker Gabriel Jesus has admitted that his season with the Citizens has been hampered by what happened with him during the summer World Cup in Russia. The Brazil international had gone into the tournament with the aim of becoming their leading star but his performances were far from impressive with no goals in the five outings before the team’s quarter-final elimination.

Speaking to Globo TV, Jesus acknowledged that the disappointment was a particular blow for him, given he had not managed to meet the expectations of the country on the big stage, he said:“That elimination of ours was a blow for all of us, especially for me. I went to the World Cup as a key player and I ended up not scoring. It affects you. I was scarred by that. People will always remember Gabriel who did not score in the World Cup.”

Meanwhile, “Jesus added that he had been further upset by Tite’s decision to snub him post the World Cup“, although he has since managed to reclaim a national team spot, he further told: “I will not deny that I was upset because I did not go, but I will always respect the coaches’ choice, both Tite and Pep [Guardiola], when they do not “put me to play“. I want to work, I always want to improve, and do only good things.”

Jesus has generally struggled for form with Manchester City during the ongoing campaign and he has netted just three times in the Premier League. The Brazilian has, however, impressed in Europe where he had recently bagged a hat-trick against Shakhtar Donetsk and it remains to be seen whether he can regain the consistency which was showcased during the backend of the previous season. Jesus could feature from the off when the Citizens take on Southampton on the road this weekend.