Arsenal defender Gabriel has expressed his pain after missing the decisive penalty in the Champions League final shootout defeat to Paris Saint-Germain. The Brazilian stepped up in Budapest needing to score to keep the shootout alive, but sent his spot-kick over the bar, handing PSG their second consecutive European title.
Gabriel was visibly devastated as teammates consoled him after the match. In an Instagram post, he wrote: 'It's painful, but I'm proud of this team and everything we achieved together this season. Thank you to our incredible fans for your support every step of the way.'
During Arsenal's Premier League trophy parade on Sunday, fans displayed banners showing their support for the defender. Midfielder Declan Rice also offered immediate backing, telling TNT Sports: 'We love them, we're with them. It happens in football. Without those two this season we wouldn't have won the Premier League.'
Rice added that Gabriel and Eberechi Eze, who also missed in the shootout, were 'devastated' but stressed the team's unity. 'Everyone's missed a penalty. It's cruel, but we take positives and we keep going,' he said.
