Manchester City forward Gabriel Jesus dismisses Lionel Messi comparisons

Manchester City striker Gabriel Jesus has dismissed comparisons with Lionel Messi, but has admitted he has had to grow up quickly since arriving in England.

The 20-year-old hit the ground running upon his move to the Premier League in January, scoring seven times in 10 league appearances, despite missing seven league fixtures through injury, and has already netted nine times in the 16 games this term.

Jesus's performances and his immediate impact on City have earned him praise, with Match of the Day's pundit Danny Murphy suggesting last month that the Brazilian was the best youngster since Argentina international Messi. However, Jesus insists any comparisons with the Barcelona legend are premature.

"They are good words and I say thank you but I just have to keep going," he was quoted as saying by Sky Sports.

"I have to focus on improving as a player. I have to keep playing and growing and giving my best.

More established players have often found adjusting to the Premier League difficult but the Brazilian has taken to his new reality seamlessly, quickly adapting to life in Manchester, despite the enormous differences between his home country and the north west.

"I had this conversation with my family before I signed for Manchester City where we talked about how I would have to adapt to another country and another culture.

"But I was relaxed because I was reaching my dream of playing in the Premier League. I have been so welcomed by everyone at the club and it also helped that Fernandinho is also at City.

"I'm still a young guy. I'm a boy. I didn't know anything when I came here. I didn't know about the weather or the language. I've been growing up fast. Sometimes I miss Brazil but I'm really enjoying my time here.

Before returning to action in the Premier League when top-of-the-table City travel to Leicester City on Saturday afternoon (18 November), Jesus will line for up Brazil against England at Wembley on Tuesday night.

While the game is only a glamorous friendly, the 20-year-old insisted the five-time World Cup winners will treat it like a competitive fixtures, as they continue their preparation ahead of the summer.

"It's always a real pleasure to play at Wembley,"he explained. "I'm expecting it to be really beautiful. It will be incredible to play there. The World Cup is getting closer. We're working and preparing and we're trying to make sure we have a great World Cup."