'It's shameful for Arsenal to have only two European titles in nearly 140 years'

Jamie Carragher’s pointed comments are giving Arsenal’s Champions League final greater importance than ever before, affecting both the title and their European legacy.

Just days before the Champions League final against PSG in Budapest, Arsenal unexpectedly became the center of debate following Jamie Carragher's outspoken article in The Telegraph. The former Liverpool defender argued that Mikel Arteta’s side is still not a true European giant, despite ending a 22-year wait to win the Premier League this season.

Carragher specifically highlighted Arsenal’s poor record in European competitions. “For a club of Arsenal’s stature, having only two European trophies in nearly 140 years is embarrassing, especially given they have had outstanding players and managers that built a proud tradition,” he wrote. However, these very criticisms are turning the final against PSG into a golden opportunity for Arsenal to completely transform their status.

According to Carragher, domestic success alone will not elevate Arsenal into the ranks of European legends without a Champions League title. “Domestic achievements, no matter how great or dominant, are less valuable if not elevated by European glory,” the former English star stated. He further emphasized: “No club can enter the pantheon of European football legends without winning the highest honor.”

Still, Arsenal are clearly not entering the final at a disadvantage. Arteta’s side just finished the Premier League season with a 2-1 win over Crystal Palace. The excitement from the domestic title and the fighting spirit maintained throughout the season are a major boost for the English representatives ahead of the challenge named PSG.

On the other side, PSG have a significant fitness advantage, having rested for 13 days before the final—exactly one week more than Arsenal. Ligue 1 even postponed matches multiple times to allow Luis Enrique’s team to focus on the Champions League. However, Arsenal have reasons to be confident, as they are accustomed to the intense pace of the Premier League and have consistently overcome pressure throughout the season.

Carragher concluded: “Arsenal are a giant of English football, but they are still a dwarf in Europe until they win the Champions League.” That will surely be the biggest challenge for Arteta and his players. But if they beat PSG in Budapest, Arsenal will not only complete a dream season but could also make all doubts about their European standing disappear completely.