After Gabriel's emotional statement, another player has spoken out in the wake of Arsenal's heartbreaking loss on penalties to Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League final, causing a huge stir on various social media platforms.
Arsenal had the lead for almost an hour in the Puskas Arena before Ousmane Dembele’s penalty cancelled out Kai Havert’s opener. Extra time couldn’t split them, and it was on to penalties, where Eberechi Eze and then Gabriel’s failure to find the target took the trophy back to Paris.
The player in question wasted no time in making his feelings known following the devastating shoot-out defeat. Arsenal came within a single saved penalty of lifting the trophy before PSG's players were celebrating back-to-back European titles. For Arsenal supporters still processing the pain of what unfolded, his message will resonate deeply. It was a defiant, declaration of war on anyone who ever doubted the club he represents.
It was raw, unfiltered emotion from a player who’s heard every criticism, absorbed every dig, and watched every pundit write Arsenal off.
Gabriel Magalhaes Related
Gabriel Breaks Silence With Emotional Statement After Missing Arsenal Penalty vs PSG
It's easy to see why anyone in the Arsenal camp would be emotional, but Gabriel has decided to face it head-on.
Declan Rice Fires Defiant Message to Arsenal's Critics
Declan Rice with Premier League trophy
Declan Rice, the £100 million player who’s become one of Arsenal’s linchpins, was interviewed during their Premier League title parade, and had some harsh words for Arsenal’s doubters:
"They pointed and they laughed, they aint laughing now. I love this club and I love this manager. It's incredible the joy we can give people."
Rice's words carry particular personal weight, given that he arrived at Arsenal under the scrutiny that comes with a British record transfer fee and faced relentless questioning in his early months at the club. But nobody can question him, or even Arsenal now, given what they’ve achieved this season.
Declan Rice Promises Arsenal are Coming for More Next Season
Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice celebrates winning the 2025-26 Premier League title
Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice celebrates winning the 2025-26 Premier League title.
If the first part of Rice's message was aimed firmly at the doubters, the second was a statement of intent:
"Next year we are coming for so much more, so lock in or get locked out"
When the comments appeared on social media, they sparked a strong response.
It’s the kind of rallying cry that sets the tone for everything that follows. Arsenal have their league title, and they’ve reached a Champions League final, and if Declan Rice has anything to say about it, Budapest wasn’t the end of the story, it was only the beginning.