Arteta sends a resolute message to PSG ahead of the Champions League final

Just before the decisive Champions League final with Paris Saint-Germain in Budapest, manager Mikel Arteta issued stern remarks regarding his resolve to bring Arsenal to the summit of European success.

Arsenal now have the chance to complete a historic double for the 2025/26 season. After officially overcoming Manchester City to end a 22-year Premier League title drought, Mikel Arteta's squad is just one match away from the European silverware. If they defeat the reigning champions Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in Budapest,, the Gunners would become the third English club in history to capture both major honors in the same season.

To reach the final, Arsenal endured a thrilling second-leg semifinal against Atlético de Madrid. Recalling the fiery atmosphere that day, coach Arteta could not hide his emotion:

“Fantastic. I think the preparation, the whole day... It was special, truly unique. From the moment we got on the bus and all our supporters were waiting outside the stadium, they really created something different... a feeling of happiness and also relief, because last year we reached the semifinal against Paris but couldn't make the final, and now we are taking another step towards the goal.”

The final obstacle in Arsenal's path is the reigning champion PSG, a team led by Luis Enrique — Arteta's senior and close friend since they were 16 at the Barcelona academy. Evaluating his compatriot, the Basque strategist shared:

“He is a very special person... despite all the opposing opinions, he remains steadfast in his beliefs, and I think that is an extraordinary strength. He is a colleague, and our relationship is based on respect and admiration... But when match day comes, you just compete and win.”

Although the two teams faced each other three times last season, the Arsenal boss believes the nature of the upcoming final will be entirely different and incredibly intense:

“Tactically, this will be a very collective battle. Both teams excel in their operations, adaptability, and intensity. And then there are individual moments — when you watch the Champions League, a lot depends on that. So we know we have to show the best version of ourselves to win.”

For Mikel Arteta, who has been with Arsenal for nearly 12 years as both a player and a coach, the match in Budapest holds supreme significance:

“It has changed my life for the better... This is the most special competition in the world at club level. That is indisputable. And I really want to enjoy that day, and of course, to win.”

This grand battle is the opportunity for Arsenal to erase the painful memory of losing to Barcelona 20 years ago, thereby inscribing their name into the temple of European kings for the first time.