Members of the Arsenal men’s squad have taken to social media to send their message of congratulations to the Women’s team after their victory in the Women’s Champions League.
Arsenal took on Barcelona in the final of the competition on Saturday night and went into the game at Estadio Jose Alvalade as underdogs, such is Barcelona’s dominance in European football.
However, Stima Blackstenius’ 74th minute goal proved to be the difference between the two sides on the night with Arsenal becoming the first English team to win the competition since their victory in 2007.
The win marks a memorable end of what has been a mixed season for Arsenal. Following a poor run of form in the Women’s Super League, former manager Jose Eidevall stepped down in October.
Renee Slegers took over initially on an interim basis, but a turnaround in form led to her being appointed on a permanent basis back in January.
She has now led Arsenal to an achievement that will be celebrated for some time. It’s an achievement that the men’s team will look to emulate next season, having secured their spot in the Champions League.
“I’m not quite sure it’s sunk in yet,” captain Kim Little said of her side’s win. “I’m not sure it’s quite going through the players’ minds yet, just because we’re so in the moment, but to win a Champions League with Arsenal will definitely go down in history as one of the best moments this club has ever had.
“To think about that is incredible. “I’m sure the days after this day we will reflect on that and really see that.”
And some members of the men’s squad have taken the chance to send their congratulations to the women’s team on social media.
Midfielder Mikel Merino shared the full-time post from the official Arsenal account onto his Instagram story. He added a caption reading: “Congrats!!” with a clapping, red a trophy emojis.
Gabriel Jesus also shared the post onto his story, along with the caption: “Well Deserved [clapping emoji] Congratulations [clapping and praying emoji].
The third Arsenal player to respond was goalkeeper David Raya. He also shared the post on his Instagram story with a “Congratulations” caption along with raising handsome heart eyes and trophy emoji.
Full-back Riccardo Calafiori, along with Merino and Jesus ‘liked’ the post from the official Arsenal Women’s Instagram account. Jurrien Timber, Declan Rice and Gabriel Magalhaes also ‘liked’ posts from the official account celebrating the victory.
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