Ronaldinho backs Jesus to be next football star

Retired football legend Ronaldinho has backed new Manchester City new boy Gabriel Jesus to become the next big thing in football.

Jesus has impressed hugely since joining from Palmeiras in January, having scored three goals in four appearances. Ronaldinho thinks there is much more to come from the 19-year-old.

“Manchester City have a very special player with Gabriel Jesus,” he said, “Maybe even, in the future, the best player in the world. At the moment it is Messi. I have always said I think one day it will be Neymar. But at 19, it can be Gabriel. He has all the abilities to make it happen.”

The Brazilian international has been given a vote of confidence from Pep Guardiola ahead of club star forward Sergio Aguero, but his progress has been threatened by injury from City’s clash with Bournemouth yesterday. According to Ronaldinho, this is not down to overplaying the young talent.

“I don’t always agree that players should be eased in–it depends on the type of player. You look at Gabriel Jesus and he has no fear at all. He just wants to play and show what he can do.

“He will put in big performances against Manchester United, Liverpool, Chelsea and all the other top teams in England [Arsenal].”

“I’m pleased he has been named in the Champions League squad and I think he should player, he is full of confidence. Ronaldo, Kaka, myself, and more recently Neymar were playing at the highest level at a young age. Gabriel is in that category.”