Gabriel releases statement moments before Arsenal Premier League title parade

Gabriel has spoken out after missing the crucial penalty for Arsenal in their Champions League final loss to Paris Saint-Germain.

The centre-back skied his spot-kick over the crossbar in the shootout on Saturday night as PSG became back-to-back European winners.

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Arsenal, who went in front after six minutes of the 1-1 draw, hoped to win their first-ever Champions League honour.

However, they remain without Europe’s biggest prize in club football, having also lost the 2006 final against Barcelona.

Taking to Instagram on Sunday afternoon ahead of the club’s Premier League title parade, Gabriel sent a message to fans.

“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.”

How Arsenal fell at the final hurdle

Arsenal had a storming run to the 2025/26 Champions League final.

They won all eight of their league phase matches and conceded just four goals across those fixtures.

Their unbeaten run continued in knockout stage triumphs over Bayer Leverkusen, Sporting and Atletico Madrid.

Kai Havertz handed them the dream start in Budapest as he smashed in the opener on the break.

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However, Ousmane Dembele brought PSG level with a penalty after Cristhian Mosquera fouled Khvicha Kvaratskhelia in the second half.

Arsenal felt they should have had a penalty of their own during extra time for a perceived foul on Noni Madueke by Nuno Mendes.

However, referee Daniel Siebert waved away their furious protests.

Eberechi Eze was the first Arsenal player to miss his penalty in the shootout, before David Raya saved from Mendes.

Gabriel then stepped up as the Gunners’ fifth taker for the decisive kick to keep them in the match, but his shot was way off the target.

Manager Mikel Arteta confirmed afterwards that Gabriel wanted to take their fifth penalty.