Monday marks 15 years since Gilberto scored the Champions League’s then fastest-ever goal.
After Thierry Henry had raced clear in the opening stages against PSV Eindhoven, the striker crossed low for Gilberto to slot past Ronald Waterreus. The goal was timed at 20.7 seconds. So what does the Brazilian remember about his record-breaking moment?
“We started the game and tried to play some passes,” he told Arsenal Player. “I remember trying to play a pass but missing it. But we recovered it through Freddie Ljungberg, and he found Thierry Henry.
“One thing that Edu told me before was to continue my run if Thierry got the ball on the left, because he was gonna pass there. He went past the defender and it was about instinct then. He crossed the ball and I was there to score what was the fastest goal in Champions League history at the time.
“After, it was broken and it broke my heart a little bit! It was a very happy moment and when I knew it was the fastest goal in the competition’s history, I was amazed by the news.”
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