Pec cites Artur Jorge talks and Cruzeiro project to return to Brazil

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·9 de julio de 2026

Pec cites Artur Jorge talks and Cruzeiro project to return to Brazil

Officially unveiled by Cruzeiro this Thursday (9), forward Gabriel Pec gave his first press conference as a Raposa player. Signed from LA Galaxy on a deal running until June 2031, the player spoke about the welcome he received at the club, the structure at Toca da Raposa II, the process of adapting to Brazilian football, and his expectations of playing in the Copa Libertadores for the first time in his career.

During the interview, Pec highlighted the impression he had when he got to know Cruzeiro’s facilities and emphasized the club’s investment in physical preparation and player development.

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“When I arrived, I was impressed by the club’s structure. I even joked with my family afterward that there was a machine that scanned my whole body. I believe this will help us a lot because they (the club) care a great deal about helping us develop on the pitch. I have those characteristics of helping offensively, but in today’s football a winger also needs to help defensively, and I hope to show that on the field as soon as possible.”

The forward also commented on his physical condition and the possibility of being available for the friendly against Grêmio, scheduled for this weekend. Although he is already training normally with the squad, Pec said the decision will be up to the coaching staff.

“I’m already integrated with the group; today is my second field session. The coach (Artur Jorge) has been talking to me because this is a readaptation process I’m going through. I still don’t know whether I’ll go or not, but I’m already working with the group on the pitch, and my wish is to make my debut in a Cruzeiro shirt as soon as possible.”

Looking back on his time in the United States, the forward highlighted the personal and professional growth he experienced while playing for LA Galaxy. According to him, the experience contributed to his development, especially in defensive aspects and decision-making in the final third.

“My time in the United States was very good for me as a human being—another country, language, and different people. Adapting there was very easy because I arrived already feeling welcomed, just like at Cruzeiro. They gave me time and space to adapt, in the very first year we became champions and I posted good numbers. Americans are very different, so I developed on that side as well. I learned a lot about football there, and that makes me arrive here more mature, defensively and also in the final third, because there is a lot of transition play there and I had to finish a lot of moves, so I come here more mature to help.”

Another point addressed was Artur Jorge’s role in the negotiations. Pec revealed that the coach got in touch during the talks, presented Cruzeiro’s sporting project, and explained how he intends to use him on the pitch, something that weighed heavily in his decision to accept the offer.

“Without a doubt, he was very important in the negotiations. It was a combination of things, and that was really nice, because it brought together the fans, the directors, and for me, the coach, who is very important. He made a video call to me, called me a few times, talked about the project and the way he plays. I was already following Cruzeiro too—I like watching matches—and that made things much easier. He talked about how he likes the game and how wingers in my position develop in his system, and that helped me a lot in coming here.”

Joining Cruzeiro also represents a first in the forward’s career. At 25 years old, Gabriel Pec will play in the Copa Libertadores for the first time and showed enthusiasm about the continental competition.

“Players like playing these matches, and I had never played in a Libertadores in my life—it will be my first time. I hope to come out victorious together with my teammates. We treat the Concachampions like a Libertadores, and this year we did very well, so I’m very happy and optimistic about my debut in the Libertadores.”

Finally, the new signing defined his style of play, stressed the importance of the environment he found at the club, and said he is arriving ready to earn his place gradually.

“I’m a player who is more mature now, who constantly looks to attack space, be close to goal and finish moves, and help the group. I arrive with humility, respecting the process and my teammates. I want to thank them because they have been helping me since the moment I arrived. I missed this Brazilian locker-room atmosphere, where everyone jokes with each other—that makes football enjoyable too. I believe that with everyone’s confidence, I’ll adapt as soon as possible and perform on the pitch.”

Gabriel Pec is one of Cruzeiro’s signings for the remainder of the season and arrives after standing out for LA Galaxy. In addition to him, the club also announced left-back Gabriel Rojas and is in talks with forward Wesley of Al-Nassr. The forward signed a contract until June 2031 and will now compete for a place in Artur Jorge’s attacking sector, as the team remains in the race for the Brazilian Championship, the Copa do Brasil, and the Copa Libertadores.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.