Share

Jesus: Competition with Firmino healthy for Brazil

Cape Town - Brazil striker Gabriel Jesus insists he is relishing the competition that Roberto Firmino has provided for him ahead of the 2018 Soccer World Cup.

Jesus captained the Selecao on Sunday as they beat Croatia 2-0 at Anfield in an international friendly courtesy of goals from Firmino and Neymar.

Firmino's form at Liverpool this past season, 27 goals in all competitions, has given the Manchester City star stiff competition for his place in the Brazil starting XI.

However, the City striker feels that the competition is healthy for the team going into the World Cup.

“I’m very happy for him, for the national team and for all of us Brazilians,” said Jesus, as quoted the official Manchester City website.

“It’s good to have healthy competition. He had an excellent season I had only a good season due to my injury. But that happens and I congratulate him.

“I am very happy that he could score and it is like this if he is doing good, I will work to be even better.

“That’s a great thing to have, this healthy competition for the national team.”

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
26% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1470 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2249 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE