Rio de Janeiro, May 15 (IANS) Brazilian teenage footballer Gabriel Jesus has played down reports of a possible move to Europe this summer after his latest eye-catching display for Palmeiras.
The 19-year-old on Saturday scored two goals and set up another as the Sao Paulo club defeated Atletico Paranaense 4-0 on the opening weekend of the Brazilian Serie A season, reports Xinhua.
Gabriel, who has been linked to Manchester United and Atletico Madrid, is understood to have a 30 million euro buy-out clause in his contract.
"I'm not dazzled by all the talk about Europe," Gabriel told reporters after the match. "I'm focused on Palmeiras."
Gabriel has now scored 18 goals from 55 appearances for Palmeiras and, barring injury, he seems certain to be included in Brazil's squad for the Olympic Games in August.
Palmeiras head coach Cuca said he hoped Gabriel would not leave in Europe's summer transfer window.
"He's going to attract interest, that's obvious," Cuca said. "But he is happy here and I'm hopeful he will stay at least until the end of the year."
In other Brazilian Serie A matches on Saturday, Flamengo overcame Sport 1-0 and Atletico Mineiro defeated Santos 1-0.
