The Champions League final is still on the minds of some Arsenal players, as was demonstrated in Cristhian Mosquera's recent social media post
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia is fouled by Cristhian Mosquera
Cristhian Mosquera's lunge proved to be the turning point in the Champions League final between Arsenal and PSG(Image: Rene Nijhuis/MB Media, Getty Images)
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Arsenal defender Cristhian Mosquera has vowed to come back stronger after he conceded the crucial penalty in the Champions League final defeat to Paris Saint-Germain. The Spaniard had been turning in one of his finest performances in a Gunners shirt until he became embroiled in a tangle with Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.
The Georgian winger breezed past Mosquera, who desperately thrust out one of his lengthy legs in an attempt to retrieve the ball, but instead brought down the PSG forward. The French giants were duly awarded a spot-kick, which was emphatically dispatched by Ousmane Dembele.
At that point, Arsenal were still protecting the 1-0 advantage they had established in the first half when Kai Havertz rifled into the roof of the net. Dembele's penalty levelled matters, sending the contest into extra-time and ultimately a shootout, which the Parisians claimed after both Eberechi Eze and Gabriel Magalhaes failed to convert from 12 yards.
Reflecting on his unfortunate moment and the match as a whole, Mosquera took to Instagram and wrote: "Wow... How quickly everything can change in a matter of moments. When it feels like everything is going perfectly, just as you dreamed of since you were a child, suddenly, in an instant, one action changes everything.
"I've spent my whole life dreaming of moments like this, but it didn't turn out the way I wanted. And that's when God reminded me that faith is not based on the final result I achieve, but on how I continue to trust after a setback.
"This is a setback that, despite all the pain it brings, will only make me stronger. Even so, my first season at this club has been unforgettable. Champions of England!
"Seeing so many people happy yesterday was an incredible feeling. Enjoying this beautiful moment because you deserve it, and I'm sure many more joyful moments are coming soon for this club.
"We still have so much to experience together. Proud of each and every one of us. Blessed to be part of this group and this huge club. THANK YOU! THIS IS ARSENAL!"
Gabriel, who missed the crucial penalty, commented in Spanish, saying: "Daleeee hermano! Vamos juntos" which translates roughly to 'It's okay brother! Let's go together."
Cristhian Mosquera of Arsenal walks past the UEFA Champions League trophy
Arsenal were not able to regain their lead after Ousmane Dembele scored the equaliser(Image: 2026 Getty Images)
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Kepa Arrizabalaga also offered his support, commenting a love heart emoji while Piero Hincapie also wrote "Vamos Pa seguimos" which means "Let's go, let's continue." Mikel Merino also added: "Estamos juntos hermano. Eres top," which means "We're in this together, bro. You're awesome!!" while former Gunner Oleksandr Zinchenko also added a love heart emoji.
Despite giving away the penalty, Mosquera's performance won over Arsenal legend Martin Keown, who made a point of lauding the Spanish international. While working as a pundit for TNT Sport, Keown remarked: "I want to have a word on Mosquera, how well he played in this game.
"The only mistake he made was for the penalty. Kvaratskhelia is the best player on the planet, he's a central defender and he was asked to play full-back."
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