Chelsea legend John Terry has sent a message of support to Arsenal defender Gabriel after his penalty shootout miss in Saturday’s Champions League final defeat.
The Gunners missed out on an historic double after they took the holders Paris Saint-Germain the full distance, only to lose on spot kicks.
A week after lifting the Premier League trophy aloft for the first time in 22 years, Mikel Arteta’s side came crashing back down to earth in Budapest with Gabriel, who put in a mountainous performance to blunt PSG’s forward line, missing the decisive penalty.
Terry could have delighted in Arsenal demise, which meant Chelsea remain the only London club to have won Europe’s biggest prize, but he instead offered his condolences to a player who had done as much as anyone to bring his side to within touching distance of glory.
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The former Chelsea skipper, himself, is no stranger to Champions League final agony, having spurned the opportunity to win the competition in similar circumstance back in 2008.
‘Wow, a horrible way to lose,’ said Terry, who missed the chance to win the tournament for Chelsea at the expense of Manchester United when he infamously slipped in the Moscow rain.
I got it completely wrong in my predictions. I thought PSG were poor and Arsenal got off to a great start with the goal from Havertz. But fair play to Arsenal I think they’ve been superb in the Premier League and Champions League.
But they just miss out and it’s a horrible way to lose. I’m feeling for Gabriel, I’ve been there. Trust me, it’s not a good place for the next few days, you’ll feel even worse.
But things move on and you go again next season. I wish him well and it’s a tough way to lose and miss that last penalty, like I say I’ve been there, I’ve done it myself and it’s a horrible feeling.
I wish him well, he’s been superb this season and I hope he understands how good he’s been and I wish him well for next season.
PSG get their hands on the trophy, I think they’ve been excellent other than tonight in the Champions League, but fair play to them.
Gabriel, meanwhile, dusted himself down and was in good enough spirits to take an active part on Arsenal’s parade through the streets of north London on Sunday where an estimated 1.5million people attended to celebrate the Premier League champions.
‘It’s painful but I’m proud of this team and everything we achieved together this season,’ said the Brazil international on Instagram.
‘Thank you to our incredible fans for your support every step of the way. You deserve to celebrate this journey with us and enjoy the parade today.
‘See you next season. Love, Big Gabi.’