Colombia plane crash: Gabriel breaks down in tears as Arsenal star pays tribute to Chapecoense players
HEART-BROKEN Gabriel broke down in tears as he delivered a tribute to the 71 dead in the Colombia plane crash.
Fans from Brazil and Colombia came together in a touching tribute last night to those killed in the flight that wiped out almost all of the Chapecoense players.
Gabriel held up a '#FORCACHAPE' banner last night with Arsenal team-mate Lucas Perez as the Gunners held a minute's silence prior to kick-off of their EFL Cup defeat to Southampton.
And defender Gabriel broke down in tears when he spoke through the club's official Twitter feed about how he thought about calling coach Caio Junior on his own birthday, before admitting his regret at putting it off for another day.
Gabriel said: "It is a bit hard to talk about what happened. I wish the families can have the strength and I hope God can comfort their hearts.
"I had many friends over there. 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.
"This is really hard to take, it's something we never imagine will happen with us or a close friend.
"The minimum I can do is send my condolences to all their families and wish that they carry on.
"I know it's not easy to lose a member of the family.
"I know it from experience, I've lost a brother myself and know how painful it is.
"I ask for strength for this team that enchanted Brazilian football, a group that five years ago was in the fourth division and surprised everyone.
"We only have good memories to keep in our hearts from this team and the friends that I made through football.
"We have a message group from Brazil and I texted them to say "don't leave for tomorrow what you can do today.
"I say that because on my birthday I felt this urge to talk to Caio Junior and for some reason I left it for another day.
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"And then this tragedy happens.
"So if you think you want to do something just get out there and do it because if we don't know what tomorrow brings."
Jose Mourinho also paid tribute to his fellow Portuguese boss last night.