Gabriel regret at not calling pal
ARSENAL defender Gabriel has delivered an emotional tribute to his late friend Caio Junior, the Chapecoense coach who was one of the 71 people killed in the plane crash in Colombia.
The jet carrying the Brazilian club side to Medellin for a cup final against Colombian side Atletico Nacional came down late on Monday.
Gabriel joined the Gunners from Spanish side Villarreal in January 2015, having come to Europe after progressing through the youth ranks of Brazilian club Vitoria.
He gave an emotional interview with in-house club media as he recalled memories of his former coach at Vitoria.
“This is really hard to take – it is something we never imagine will happen with us or a close friend,” he said.
“I played for Vitoria for five years and I worked with the coach and the backroom staff, and two other players as well. We were very close friends. The minimum I can do is send my condolences to all their families and wish that they can carry on.
“We have a message group from Brazil and I texted them to say ‘don’t leave for tomorrow what you can do for today’.
“I say that because on my last birthday I felt this urge to talk to Caio Junior and for some reason I left it for another day and then this tragedy happens. So if you think you want to do something, just get out of there and do it because we don’t know what tomorrow brings.”
Premier League players will this weekend wear black armbands and observe a minute’s silence in a mark of respect.
A minute’s silence will also be held ahead of all next week’s Champions League and Europa League matches.