Gabriel Jesus claims off the pitch issues will not stand in the way of his bid to displace Sergio Aguero at Man City.
The Brazilian striker endured a miserable second half of 2018, which saw him dropped by club and country.
He has also had to cope living thousands of miles away from his close-knit family, who returned to Brazil after their travel visa to the UK expired.
Jesus had enjoyed the support of his mother Vera Lucia Diniz de Jesus and his two older brothers since moving to England 18 months ago. But his struggles living on his own for the first time in his life appeared to impact heavily on his form.
That has allowed Aguero to establish himself at the point of Pep Guardiola’s attack after Jesus’ arrival initially threatened the Argentine’s long-term future at City.
But the 21-year-old has shown signs of returning to his deadliest form with seven goals in his last four starts – including four in the 9-0 win against Burton in last night’s League Cup semi-final first leg.
“I’ve already forgotten the problems of last year and I’m really happy now,” he said. “My family is going back to Brazil, unfortunately, but that’s an issue just at home, not on the pitch.
“I’ve had amazing days beside them, I’m grateful for the family I have, they are always beside me and allowing me just to focus on football.
“I’ll miss them, obviously, but I’m mentally stronger now and I just want to play well, score goals and help the team.”
Guardiola has challenged Jesus to prove he deserves to lead City’s attack ahead of the club’s all-time leading scorer Aguero, who has been outstanding this season with 14 goals already.
“Sure (I can do it) like when I first came here,” he told Esporte Interativo. “I’ve always respected and will always respect Sergio and the manager’s decisions, but it’s up to me to pursue a place in the team.
“I try to show on a daily basis, training hard trying to get into the first XI.
“I know Sergio is having an amazing season, but I’m here able to help whenever they need me.
“I haven’t played a lot on Premier League this season and I want to help.”
