Jesus 'proud' after dream Brazil debut

Teenage striker Gabriel Jesus on Friday said he was proud and lost for words after leading Brazil to a 3-0 victory over Ecuador in a dream senior international debut.

Jesus scored twice and set up another goal as the Selecao steadied their 2018 World Cup qualifying campaign with their first victory in Quito in 33 years on Thursday.

"I'm very happy with my performance and even more with the team's win," Jesus said in an interview published by the Brazilian football confederation on Friday night.

"We were needing it. I'm proud of my debut. I have worked hard to get to where I am. I'm never satisfied. I'm always working to improve. I don't have words to describe it how I feel. Three years ago I was playing amateur league football and now I'm representing Brazil's national team."

Rated by former Brazil great Ronaldo as a future star, Jesus last month signed with Manchester City for 27 million British pounds. He will not join the Premier League club until January under a clause that allows him to finish the current Brazilian season with Palmeiras.

His performance on Thursday would have left City fans salivating at the prospect of Jesus wearing the sky blue shirt in the new year.

Brazil are now fifth in the South American zone qualifying standings with 12 points from seven matches. Their next qualifier is against Colombia in the Amazon city of Manaus on Tuesday. Endit