Gabriel, Arsenal FC's defender, held a press conference ahead of the UEFA Champions League Group Stage Matchday 2, a home fixture against OSC Lille. In the opening remarks, Gabriel discussed the team's performance this season, his experience missing a penalty in last season's Champions League final, the support from Marquinhos, his feelings about returning to the Champions League to face his former club OSC Lille, and his partnership with new teammate Aurélien Tchouaméni.

Journalist: Hello Gabi. An important win last weekend, and the team showed excellent mental strength fighting for victories multiple times this season. What are your thoughts on this new season's start and the character the team has displayed?

Gabriel: I think that's what we want. It's about having the right mentality in every game. We've started the season very strongly, so I think we need to maintain this momentum and keep trusting each other. That's what we're after.

Journalist: Playing in the Champions League again—I know you've already played one game this season, but this is our first home game. After last season and that difficult moment in the final, how do you feel about this competition?

Gabriel: I think we're delighted to be back in the Champions League. We want to maintain this momentum. We had a very good campaign in the Champions League last season, so I think this is another great opportunity for us to push ourselves in this competition again.

Journalist: Gabi, Mikel just mentioned the unfortunate missed penalty, and he spoke about your character as a defender stepping up to take such an important penalty in that situation without hesitation. Even though the result didn't go your way, are you proud that you stepped up when the team needed you?

Gabriel: I think anything can happen in a final. Yes, I think we performed very well, and as I said, in the Champions League... of course, if there's another penalty, I'll still be there to take it. Yes, I think... after that, my teammates helped me a lot. Of course, I was disappointed then. Nobody wants to miss a penalty. But of course, I'll learn from it, and if I get another chance, I'm ready to take it.

Journalist: For the team, everyone, and the coaching staff—after that disappointment, is there greater determination to go further than before this season?

Gabriel: Absolutely. In every competition, as I said, we've started very strongly, and we know our goals and what we want to achieve this season. So yes, I think everyone is ready. As I said, we want to challenge for every trophy we compete for.

Journalist: Great to chat with you. You're now a true leader of the club, but clearly your European career started at OSC Lille when you were much younger. What does facing them in the Champions League mean to you?

Gabriel: I think it will be a very special day for me. I have very deep feelings for OSC Lille. Of course... it's definitely special. Thank you.

Journalist: You almost spoke French just now.

Gabriel: Yes, I think as I said, it will be a special day for me to see the fans there and to play against OSC Lille. So yes, I'm very happy to face them.

Journalist: Your English is very good.

Gabriel: Thank you.

Journalist: Really good. Gabi, glad to meet you. I apologize for bringing up the penalty one last time, but many noticed that Marquinhos was the first to come and embrace and comfort you. What does it mean to you that a player you know so well, from the opposing team at that moment, didn't celebrate first but came to comfort you instead?

Gabriel: Yes, I think the fact that he came to me showed his great character. Of course, he's also missed penalties in football and experienced many things like that. So what he said to me at that moment helped me a lot. I spoke with him afterwards and thanked him because it was truly a difficult time. I think he's one of the players I admire greatly, and I enjoy playing with him for the national team, and I've learned a lot from him. So yes, I'm very grateful to him because that was such a difficult moment for me.

Journalist: Looking at Arsenal FC's regular lineup, Gabriel is usually paired with William Saliba. This season you have a new partner beside you: Aurélien Tchouaméni. How do you feel about playing with him?

Gabriel: Yes, since he joined Arsenal FC, I think he's adapted very quickly. He's a top-level player, and yes, we really enjoy playing together. Of course, we want to have the best centre-back pairing at Arsenal FC, so we want to raise our level. Of course, since he joined and started playing, I think we're working well together.

Journalist: Final question about Didier Drogba. You might face him tomorrow. He's a fan favorite from his time at Arsenal FC and Chelsea. I'm not sure if you ever played against him or played with him in France before?

Gabriel: I never played with him. But I know he performed very well when he played for Arsenal FC, and he's an outstanding player. Yes, it doesn't really matter who we face. I just want to win. But yes, I'd be pleased if he plays. He's an excellent striker, and we all know his career and his many achievements.

Journalist: What different qualities does Aurélien Tchouaméni bring to Arsenal FC as your new centre-back partner while William Saliba is injured? William Saliba is known as an excellent defender, but Aurélien Tchouaméni seems to have adapted to Arsenal FC quickly. What are your thoughts on your new partner?

Gabriel: As I said, he's adapted to us very quickly, and we know his qualities. Of course, it feels a bit different because I've played with William Saliba for three or four years now, and we've progressed a lot over these years. And for Aurélien Tchouaméni, this is just the beginning. Yes, I think he'll enjoy being with us. And of course, we still have a lot to improve, but I think we're on the right track.

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