Arsenal star Gabriel sends heartfelt Instagram message to Leeds attacker Raphinha

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Arsenal defender Gabriel has sent a message to Leeds United attacker Raphinha on Instagram after the two sides played out a 0-0 draw at Elland Road on Sunday evening – with the two players meeting, after spending their academy days together.

Gabriel, 22, helped Arsenal hold on to a clean sheet against Leeds despite the Gunners going down to 10 men early in the second half – when Nicolas Pepe headbutted Leeds defender Gjanni Alioski. The Whites hit the woodwork three times.

Brazilian defender Gabriel joined Arsenal in the summer, as did Leeds ace Raphinha – who made his first start for the Whites since his move from from Rennes. Both players have enjoyed similar paths so far, after starting out together.

Gabriel and 23-year-old Raphinha came through the ranks at Brazilian side Avai before moving to Europe. Both have since moved to England from French clubs – Gabriel from Lille and Raphinha from Rennes. He sent Raphinha a message.

It is translated as: “Good to see you again brother, good luck for the rest of the season. Love you.”

Raphinha had a good chance in injury time to finally break the deadlock as Leeds pushed for a winner, but his left-footed effort clipped the side of the post with Bernd Leno beaten. Arsenal will be delighted to have finished with a clean sheet.

Slightly older, Raphinha never made a senior outing for Avai and instead went to Portugal where he starred for Vitoria and Sporting Lisbon – while Gabriel played 39 times for his boyhood club. The Leeds star responded, sharing the love.

The £28,000-a-week (TuttoMercatoWeb) star’s message is translated as: “Always a pleasure to see you again brother, you are too angry. I love you brother.”