This season, Gabriel Magalhaes and Arsenal won the Premier League after 22 years of waiting. As a domestic champion, he became a culprit in the Champions League, when he missed the decisive penalty that caused Arsenal to lose to Paris Saint-Germain.
However, the Arsenal center-back still received great comfort from his teammate in the Brazilian national team, Marquinhos. Immediately after PSG defeated the opponent in the penalty shootout, their captain did not rush to celebrate but went to give Gabriel Magalhaes a sympathetic hug.
Sharing after the match, Marquinhos said he especially sympathized with Gabriel, because he had experienced similar situations in the past: "I was ready to celebrate. But when I started running, I saw Gabriel right in front of me and my teammates running past him. That image is exactly like the moment after my penalty missed in 2022.
According to the PSG defender, the feeling of defeat on penalties is very difficult for any player, especially in a big match like the Champions League final: "That's when I think about my teammate in the Brazilian national team. I sympathize with him because I understand the feeling and responsibility he has to bear.
The 32-year-old player also affirmed an undeniable moment of the excellent season Gabriel spent with Arsenal: "I told Gabriel to stay up and hold your head high because he had a great season and played a very good match.
I told him that in my opinion, Gabriel is the best center-back in the world this season. He does not deserve to bear that responsibility because everyone wants to score from penalties," Marquinhos emphasized.
Gabriel is an important factor helping Arsenal win the Premier League title and advance to the Champions League final this season. The Brazilian center-back forms a solid duo with William Saliba, making a great contribution to the success of the London team.
After a season full of emotions, Gabriel and Marquinhos will continue to join the Brazilian team to prepare for the upcoming World Cup campaign. At this tournament, Selecao is in the same group as Morocco, Haiti and Scotland.
