Chelsea icon John Terry has conveyed a message of encouragement to Arsenal defender Gabriel following his missed penalty in Saturday’s Champions League final loss.
The Gunners fell short of achieving a historic double after pushing the reigning champions Paris Saint-Germain to the limit, only to succumb in the penalty shootout.
Just a week after celebrating their first Premier League title in 22 years, Mikel Arteta’s team faced a harsh reality in Budapest, with Gabriel, who delivered an outstanding performance to neutralize PSG’s attack, failing to convert the crucial penalty.
Terry could have reveled in Arsenal’s downfall, which ensured Chelsea remains the sole London club to have claimed Europe’s premier trophy, but instead, he extended his sympathies to a player who contributed significantly to bringing his team so close to victory.
The former Chelsea captain is no stranger to the heartbreak of a Champions League final, having missed a chance to secure the title under similar circumstances in 2008.
“Wow, a terrible way to lose,” Terry remarked in a video he posted on social media.
He himself missed the opportunity to clinch the tournament for Chelsea against Manchester United when he notoriously slipped in the rain in Moscow.
He continued, “I completely misjudged my predictions. I thought PSG played poorly, and Arsenal started strong with Havertz’s goal. But credit to Arsenal; they have been exceptional in both the Premier League and Champions League.
“Yet they narrowly miss out, and it’s a dreadful way to lose. I empathize with Gabriel; I’ve experienced it. Believe me, the next few days will be tough, and you will feel even worse.
“However, life goes on, and you will have another chance next season. I wish him the best; it’s a difficult way to lose and to miss that final penalty. As I mentioned, I’ve been there, and it’s an awful feeling.
“I wish him well; he has been outstanding this season, and I hope he recognizes how well he has performed. I wish him success for the upcoming season.”