Gabriel Jesus stars in Brazil charity match ahead of imminent move to Manchester City

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Manchester City bound Gabriel Jesus turned out for a charity match organised by Brazilian stars Romario and Nene in his homeland ahead of his eventual move to the Etihad Stadium in the new year.

The 19-year-old forward signed for Pep Guardiola's side in the summer but was allowed to finish the season with Palmeiras, which culminated in their first league title for 22 years.

After visiting his new club earlier this month, Jesus returned home for Christmas and starred during the charity match in Jundiai where the stars also paid tribute to the Chapecoense players who lost their lives in a tragic plane crash.

Gabriel Jesus (3rd left)  played in a charity match featuring Nene (centre) and Romario (third right)

The stars paid tribute to the Chapecoense players who lost their lives in the tragic plane crash

Jesus has returned to Brazil ahead of his imminent move to Manchester City in the new year

Crowds chanted 'Vamos, vamos, Chape' ahead of a respected minute's silence at the Jayme Cintra stadium before Jesus stole the show by scoring three goals as Nene's side triumphed 10-4 in an entertaining encounter.  

After the game, Jesus said: 'It's not my last game, there are four more. But let's talk about today's football, I prefer not to say anything about the professional.'

'With everything that is happening in Brazil, things have not really been positive, unfortunately, some very negative ones, such as the Chapecoense tragedy, politics is far below what should be and a charity game, that everything we collect will go to be able to improve their food, to meet some of the needs of some people, it is an honour to be present. Thank you for the invitation from Nene, ' added World Cup winner Romario. 

Jesus dined out with (L-R) Fernandinho, Txiki Begiristain, Guardiola and Fernandinho on his visit to Manchester

Jesus ended a 22-year drought when he helped Palmerias capture the league title

Jesus, meanwhile, will arrive in Manchester accompanied by an entourage of friends and family to help him settle.

He told ESPN: 'If I could, I'd take all the ones who are with me since my growth. I'm much connected to my neighbourhood, Jardim Peri, every time I'm having a day off at home, I go there.

'If I could, I'd take the entire neighbourhood there, and would make a Jardim Peri in England. It's a place where I have peace.

'I'm going with my mum, my brother and taking two friends who are always with me, played football with me when I was small. I hope they help me a lot there.'