David Raya has just completed a remarkable season. The Arsenal goalkeeper won his third consecutive ‘Golden Glove’, keeping clean sheets in 19 of the 37 games he played in the League. The Spanish international played a crucial role in Arsenal winning the Premier League, 22 years later, and now he intends to close the season with a flourish, offering the Gunners the first Champions League in their history.
After the Premier celebration party, where they defeated Crystal Palace (1-2), Raya received advice from Jens Lehmann, Arsenal's goalkeeper in the 2006 final, the only Champions League played so far by the club.
"Do us a favor and play 90 or 95 minutes... Don't let yourself be sent off!", said the German international, recalling what happened 20 years ago against Barcelona. On that occasion, Norwegian referee Terje Hauge showed a straight red card to Lehmann for bringing down Samuel Eto'o, who was preparing to score into an empty goal.
It was the 18th minute, still 0-0, and Arsenal, with Manuel Almunia in goal, did an exercise in resistance. The team took the lead in the 37th minute with a goal from Sol Campbell, but ended up succumbing (1-2) to goals from Eto'o (76') and Belletti (80').
"We lost 20 years ago and, if you win now, you will be giving back to the fans something that we were unable to do. Maybe I didn't fulfill my mission because I was sent off. So, it would also mean something for us", continued Lehmann.
David Raya, who attended MARCA before the Champions League final, welcomed the advice enthusiastically: "Of course, for legends like him, for all the legends who played here. I hope we can achieve that for you and, of course, for this fantastic passion, which is incredible. The way they supported us throughout the season until the end. Thank you to them, we are Premier champions. The Champions League will be another story."