Crystal Palace v Arsenal - Premier League
Gabriel has been a crucial player for Arsenal on their way to Premier League glory (Picture: Getty Images)
Jean-Louis Garcia was in charge of Troyes when he took Gabriel Magalhaes on loan, he says how he used the centre-back is the biggest regret of his career.
The Arsenal and Brazil defender is now one of the best in his position on the planet, playing a key role in the Gunners’ Premier League triumph this season.
He will look to add the Champions League to his CV on Saturday when Arsenal take on Paris Saint-Germain in Budapest, before heading to the World Cup with his country.
It wasn’t always obvious that Gabriel was destined for the top, having been brought to Europe by Lille before being sent out on two unsuccessful loans.
The countdown is on
Our seven-day guide to the World Cup is live. 48 teams, 104 games, 1104 players – we've got everything you need to know. Sign up now.
The first of those was to Troyes, where Garcia liked the look of the defender enough to bring him in on a short-term deal, but having just been promoted from Ligue 2, he had a central defensive partnership in place.
Garcia explains that Gabriel arrived with an injury and was never properly given the chance to shine, which he regrets now.
‘It’s the biggest regret of my career,’ Garcia told L’Equipe.
FBL-FRA-LIGUE1-TOULOUSE-TROYES
Gabriel appeared just four times for Troyes (Picture: Getty Images)
‘When he arrived, we realised he couldn’t train at full capacity. He was carrying an old adductor injury. We quickly put a protocol in place. We told ourselves we had time. But all of this dragged on until the Christmas break.’
The 63-year-old said he was confident Gabriel was a top talent, but could not quite bring himself to start him on a regular basis.
‘I started him again against Saint-Étienne in the Coupe de France, and there, Gabi really came into his own,’ said Garcia. ‘I was determined to play him again against Dijon, but the match was postponed. And in the following Ligue 1 match, against Strasbourg, I had my full squad back, and that’s when Gabriel realised he wasn’t part of the setup.
‘I assure you, I was sure he would go far. If I had to do it again, I would do things differently. I was too emotionally invested in the players who were part of the promotion squad.’
SOCCER JPL D33 KV OOSTENDE VS RFC SERAING
Jean-Louis Garcia wishes he’d given Gabriel more of a chance (Picture: Getty Images)
The Brazilian made just four appearances for Troyes then went on loan to Dinamo Zagreb where he played just once.
He finally started playing regularly for Lille in the 2018/19 season and earned praise from manager Christophe Galtier.
‘I saw he had great potential and he was able to seize the first opportunity he got,’ said Galtier. ‘He was hungry to play, and while he bided his time, he worked a lot.
‘He’s an example for other youngsters to follow. It’s a sort of intelligence to behave like that. How often nowadays do you see players not working if they’re not in the squad?’
Lille OSC v Girondins Bordeaux - Ligue 1
Gabriel eventually impressed enough at Lille to earn a move to Arsenal (Picture: Getty Images)
Arsenal eventually spent £27m for him in September 2020, a fee which seems a bargain given he has already made 260 appearances for the club.
Shortly before his move to north London he was heavily linked with Everton and then-Lille president Gerard Lopez was talking up his ability to step up to the Premier League.
‘It’s true that he would like to go and try something else out,’ Lopez told Sky Sports in April 2020. ‘We haven’t taken that decision yet, but he’s received a number of offers. I feel he’s closer to one club than others, but nothing’s done yet so we’ll see.
‘I feel he is among the top five dominant central defenders in Europe right now. His statistics, which aren’t well covered outside of France, shows that his percentage for winning duels is pretty unheard of in a league that’s extremely physical.
‘He’s an absolute machine, so to me, he’s well on his way – if not this year – to potentially a really big club. I’m certain he’s on his way to the Brazilian national team at some point.’
Crystal Palace v Arsenal - Premier League
Gabriel celebrates Premier League glory with William Saliba, Declan Rice and Mikel Arteta (Picture: Getty Images)
Earlier this month Gabriel spoke about how emotionally attached he and his family have become to Arsenal, where he wants to achieve much more success in the years to come.
‘I think that since I arrived at Arsenal, I have been very well received. So it’s the club that I have in my heart forever,’ he told ESPN.
‘I’m very happy here. I feel at home, my family loves the club. It’s been satisfying for me to have all this time with the Arsenal jersey, so I certainly want to achieve great things here.
‘I’m about to reach six years at the club. I do still have dreams to come here. I am happy and I hope to be able to bring a lot of joy to the fans who deserve it.’
MORE: Arsenal make transfer decision as Barcelona target £45m Mikel Arteta signing
MORE: Samir Nasri won’t support Arsenal in Champions League final despite abuse from PSG fans
MORE: Jurrien Timber injury update as Arsenal train for Champions League final
In The Mixer’s World Cup special
Previews of every single World Cup team in your inbox, featuring the players to look out for, games you shouldn’t miss and Metro’s big England predictions.