Gabriel Magalhaes gave everything he had in Budapest. The Brazilian centre-back was colossal throughout every stage of the Champions League, putting in defensive shifts that did as much as anyone's to keep Arsenal competitive throughout both their Premier League and European runs.
But one moment undid it all. When Gabriel stepped up to take Arsenal's fifth penalty in the shoot-out, with the tie there to be saved, his effort soared high over the crossbar and Paris Saint-Germain were champions of Europe for the second successive year.
It was a devastating end to what had been a monumental season, and in the hours that followed, as Arsenal supporters processed the pain, a message of support arrived from a source that few would’ve predicted.
John Terry's Message to Arsenal’s Gabriel
John Terry after his final game for Chelsea
John Terry, the England and Chelsea legend and lifelong adversary of everything to do with Arsenal, set aside the rivalry to offer a set of heartfelt words directed at Gabriel in the aftermath of the final.
The former Chelsea captain knows better than most what it feels like to miss a penalty in a Champions League final:
"Wow, a horrible way to lose. 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."
He then turned his attention squarely to Gabriel:
"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.”
It was a compassionate message from a man who had every reason to enjoy Chelsea's status as the only London club to have lifted the Champions League trophy.
John Terry's Own Penalty Heartbreak In Moscow
John Terry
The reason Terry's words carry such weight is that he lived through an almost identical moment himself. In the 2008 Champions League final in Moscow, with Chelsea facing Manchester United in a penalty shoot-out, he stepped up with the chance to win the trophy for his club. Terry slipped on the rain-soaked turf at the crucial moment, with his penalty cannoning off the post, and Chelsea went on to lose.
It's one of the most iconic and heartbreaking images in Champions League history, and a moment that’s stayed in his mind as time went on.
Terry’s personal experience gives his message to Gabriel a credibility and sincerity that moves past the usual platitudes offered in the aftermath of a big occasion like this. He isn’t simply offering sympathy from the outside, he’s speaking as someone who woke up the morning after a Champions League final feeling exactly as Gabriel feels now.
Gabriel, for his part, showed admirable resilience. He was present and engaged at Arsenal's Premier League title parade the very next day. They moved through north London, where over one million supporters turned out to celebrate England’s newest champions.
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.
On Instagram, 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. You deserve to celebrate this journey with us and enjoy the parade today! See you next season!!! Love, Big Gabi.”