will contest simply their after they tackle on the Pusks Arna on Saturday afternoon.
The Gunners are one of many greatest golf equipment by no means to have received Europe’s premier prize, having had just one go at doing so, with that try coming in 2006.
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Coincidentally, that ultimate was performed simply north of Paris on the Stade de France and Arsne Wenger oversaw a 2-1 defeat to within the nationwide stadium with a swift turnaround by Samuel Eto’o and Juliano Belletti breaking crimson and white (and yellow) hearts.
Now, 20 years on, Arsenal are able to battle for the continental crown as soon as once more, however earlier than that battle commences, let’s check out the place their starters from the 2006 ultimate at the moment are.
Arsenal’s 2006 Champions League ultimate XI: The place are they now?
Loads of change since that day | Matthew Ashton – AMA/GettyImages
Goalkeeper & Defenders
Jens Lehmann (GK) – Despatched off after simply 18 minutes for bringing Eto’o down simply outdoors the field, his dismissal finally proved to be key in his aspect’s defeat. He remained at Arsenal for an additional two seasons earlier than departing for forward of a short return to North London. Lehmann made a second comeback as a coach for the 2017/18 season, however left upon Unai Emery’s arrival, however he has stayed true to his Gunners heritage as he at present manages N5 FC within the Baller League.
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(RB) – Solely 22-years-old when beginning within the ultimate, he stayed a Gunner for an additional 5 campaigns, together with his time finally coming to an finish with a transfer to Galatasaray. He went onto from there, however didn’t make an look. Failure to discover a membership from there led to his retirement.
(CB) – Following the ultimate defeat, he put pen to paper on a brand new contract at Arsenal and captained them on a lot of events, however a feud with William Gallas led to his departure to in 2009. He frolicked at and Celtic earlier than retiring and managing Wigan Athletic. Tour was most lately a part of Pep Guardiola’s teaching workers at Metropolis, however adopted the Spaniard in leaving the membership.
Sol Campbell (CB) – Arsenal’s sole goalscorer in a Champions League ultimate, he left the membership months after the defeat to hitch Portsmouth, who he captained to an FA Cup victory in 2008. Spells at Notts County and both aspect of a short stint again with the Gunners led to his retirement in 2011. Campbell seemed to dive into politics, however turned again to soccer by managing Macclesfield City and Southend United.
(LB) – A reputation that also leaves a bitter style, Cole departed his boyhood membership for after the ultimate defeat and after having fun with success in West London, frolicked with Roma, and Derby County. He’s at present working in his first managerial function at Cesena in ‘s Serie B.
Midfielders
Robert Pires (RM) – Sacrificed in what proved to be his ultimate sport for Arsenal following Lehmann’s sending off, he joined quickly after the autumn to Barcelona. Subsequent spells at and Goa in India preceded a transfer into teaching, which included a season with the Gunners and in addition working alongside Lehmann within the Baller League.
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Gilberto Silva (CM) – Following the frustration within the ultimate, he was named membership vice-captain and spent two extra seasons in North London, having fun with a major scoring spell in that point. A transfer to Panathinaikos was adopted by a return to his residence nation with Grmio earlier than becoming a member of Atltico Mineiro. He has had important involvement in soccer charities since his retirement and has additionally labored as an envoy for Arsenal and FIFA.
Cesc Fbregas (CM) – He went onto grow to be Gunners captain, however departed for boyhood membership and ultimate opponents Barcelona in 2011 earlier than controversially returning to the Premier League with Chelsea three years later. The Spaniard then frolicked with and earlier than retiring to grow to be supervisor of the latter and has simply led I Lariani to Champions League qualification for the primary time of their historical past.
(LM) – The Belarusian left Arsenal for Barcelona two years after the defeat within the ultimate and bounced round loads of golf equipment between his exit and his retirement in 2019. He has since spoken out about his remorse leaving the Gunners.
Forwards
Freddie Ljungberg (SS) – After becoming a member of from Arsenal, the previous Calvin Klein mannequin loved spells in america, , and India earlier than bringing the curtain down on his profession in 2014, having beforehand carried out so two years earlier. He served because the Gunners’ assistant coach beneath Unai Emery and Mikel Arteta whereas additionally working as interim supervisor inbetween the 2, however has been inactive since leaving in 2020.
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(CF) – He solely spent yet another season with Arsenal earlier than becoming a member of Barcelona in 2007, the place he did win the Champions League in 2009 forward of a transfer to . He shocked the Gunners with a short mortgage return in 2012 earlier than retiring two years later. He has labored as a supervisor and an assistant at each membership and worldwide degree, most lately with France Beneath-21s and Olympic, however his major focus is now his media profession.
Supervisor
Arsne Wenger – He spent an additional 12 years as Arsenal boss, however constant decline prompted his departure with solely three extra FA Cups to his title for the reason that ultimate defeat. He’s now FIFA’s Chief of International Soccer Improvement, a task he has served since 2019.
This text was initially revealed on www.paininthearsenal.com as .