Champions League final loss devastating – Arsenal Midfielder Rice

By Tosin Omojola

Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice has described his side’s Champions League final defeat on penalties as “devastating”, while expressing support for teammates Eberechi Eze and Gabriel Magalhaes, whose missed spot-kicks proved costly.

Speaking to TNT Sports after the match, as reported by UEFA, the England international said both players were heartbroken following the shootout but stressed that the team remains united in both victory and defeat.

“It is devastating to lose the Champions League final on penalties. We are trying to put into perspective how far we have come as a group. It has been an incredible season and this was our 63rd match. We have given absolutely everything until now, and penalties are a lottery. Some of the best teams have lost on penalties,” Rice said.

Rice revealed that Eze and Gabriel were struggling to come to terms with the outcome.

“They are broken. Missing a penalty in the Champions League final is not pleasant, but we love them, we are with them, and these things happen in football. They won’t be the last players to miss penalties in finals.

“Everyone has missed a penalty, and without those two this season, we wouldn’t have won the Premier League. That is for sure,” he added.

The midfielder reiterated the squad’s collective responsibility for the result and praised the team’s achievements throughout the campaign.

“We win together and we lose together. I am very proud of this group and these boys. What a season. It has been incredible and I cannot speak highly enough of everyone.

“Obviously, I am devastated, but I am trying to put some perspective on the journey from when we started last July to where we are now,” Rice remarked.