Chelsea legend John Terry has offered words of support to Arsenal defender Gabriel Magalhães after his decisive penalty miss in Saturday’s UEFA Champions League final defeat.
Arsenal’s hopes of completing a historic league and European double were dashed after a closely contested encounter with Paris Saint-Germain ended in a penalty shootout loss in Budapest.
Having helped Arsenal secure their first Premier League crown in 22 years, Gabriel produced a strong defensive display in the final but was unable to convert the spot-kick that could have kept his side in contention.
Rather than focusing on Arsenal’s disappointment—which preserved Chelsea’s status as the only London club to win Europe’s top club competition—Terry expressed sympathy for the Brazilian defender, drawing on his own painful experience in the 2008 final.
“Wow, a terrible way to lose,” Terry remarked in a video he posted on social media.
The former Chelsea skipper famously slipped while taking a penalty against Manchester United in Moscow, missing the chance to secure the trophy for his side.
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.”
