Gabriel Jesus vows to return stronger for Man City from 'worst day of my life'

Gabriel Jesus has vowed to return stronger for Manchester City after seeing the “worst day of my life” leave him with knee ligament damage.

The Brazilian forward suffered an unfortunate injury on New Year’s Eve during a Premier League meeting with Crystal Palace.

After falling awkwardly, the 20-year-old knew straight away that he was set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

He told CityTV on an occasion he would rather forget and his desire to ensure that he does not rush back into action: “I got injured on 31st December, it was the worst day of my life.

“It was difficult because I never had an injury there and in that moment, I feared the worst.

“I’ve never felt that pain and in your knee, it’s always difficult. But after that I accepted it and now I just need to heal, recover and come back as soon as I can.

“It’s not worth rushing back when you’re not fully recovered. I’d rather return when it’s time and I’m ready.”

Jesus is well on the road to recovery, with Pep Guardiola having confirmed that he has returned to first-team training.

There were some dark times for the youngster, though, with the advice of fellow Brazilian Ronaldo having been sought at one stage as he struggled to come to terms with his misfortune.

He is now ready to put those struggles behind him and believes that he will come back even stronger, having already contributed 10 goals to the City cause before being laid low.

Jesus added: “It is horrible, we all know how bad it is, but it happens to those on the pitch, fighting and giving their best. So we must stay focused to come back stronger than ever.

“I believe I can come back stronger, be more helpful, run more, always stronger.”

Jesus will not be risked in an FA Cup fifth round meeting with Wigan on Monday, but he could be drafted back into the fold for the Carabao Cup final with Arsenal at Wembley on February 25.

Challenging for major silverware should help to get him back up to speed for an important run of fixtures which will also see City face Arsenal and Chelsea in the Premier League and Basel in the second leg of the Champions League last 16.