Arsenal defender Cristhian Mosquera has opened up on his mistake that led to Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) finding the equaliser in the Champions League final last Saturday. The Gunners lost 4-3 on penalties after both teams were inseparable at the end of extra-time.
Mikel Arteta's men raced to an early lead in the fifth minute, when Kai Havertz powered his shot into the roof of the net with a thunderous strike. The Premier League champions looked near impenetrable at the back since then, holding on to the lead at half-time.
PSG continued their push for an equaliser and it came after a mistake from Mosquera. The 21-year-old, who was named in the starting line-up ahead of Jurrien Timber, lunged in from behind to bring Khvicha Kvaratskhelia down inside the penalty area.
The referee pointed to the spot and Ousmane Dembele converted the spot-kick. Mosquera was replaced by Timber after the equaliser and the north Londoners went on to lose the penalty shootout after misses from Eberechi Eze and Gabriel Magalhaes.
Despite the defat in the Champions League final, Arsenal held their open-top bus parade for being Premier League champions. And Mosquera talked about his mistake after the parade.
The Spaniard insisted that no matter how painful it feels now, he's fully aware that this experience will only make him stronger. Mosquera also added that he places his trust in god and stated that he's blessed to be part of this Arsenal team.
He wrote on Instagram:
"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 because 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!"
Mosquera has not been called up to the Spain squad for the 2026 World Cup, meaning he will have time off to recover after an intense season with Arsenal.
Arsenal ready to enter transfer market and strengthen squad this summer
After being crowned champions of England, Arsenal have no plans to rest on their laurels. The club's co-chair Josh Kroenke has confirmed the Gunners will be active in the summer transfer window to strengthen their squad.
Kroenke said the 'business never stops' and insists that conversations have already taken place on how the north London club can improve on and of the pitch next season.
He told NBC (h/t Metro UK):
"The business never stops. Right now there are already other teams who are trying to strengthen and come at us for next season. We need to be aware of that.
"We’ve already had a few different conversations about different areas where we think we can improve on and off the pitch."
Arsenal ended their 22-year-long wait to win the Premier League after finding success under Arteta this season.