Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Joao Neves sparked controversy after claiming his side were the “only team that wanted to play” following their Champions League final victory over Arsenal.
PSG claimed the European title for the second consecutive season after defeating the Gunners in a penalty shootout at the conclusion of a tense final.
The match had finished 1-1 after regulation time, with Kai Havertz and Ousmane Dembele both finding the net for their respective sides.
Neither team was able to find a winner during extra time, forcing the high-stakes shootout that would ultimately decide European football’s biggest prize.
Eberechi Eze and Gabriel Magalhaes both failed to convert their spot-kicks for Arsenal, handing PSG the opportunity to seal the trophy.
Portuguese midfielder Neves directed a pointed 14-word comment toward Arsenal’s playing style in his post-match interview, pulling no punches in his assessment.
He said: “We deserved it today, because PSG were the only team that wanted to play.”
In full, Neves said: “The emotion is there. It’s the second time I’ve been a European champion. It’s not even the victory itself that pleases me, but playing with such teammates, this staff, and this management.”
He continued: “Coming here was the best decision I’ve ever made. I love everything here. We deserved it today, because PSG were the only team that wanted to play.”
Neves also reflected on the increased difficulty of defending the title, noting the added physical demands his team faced throughout the campaign.
He added: “This year was different. It was harder, more physical. We were European champions, so we defended our title. We’re part of PSG history. We’re all happy. I want to enjoy this with my teammates now.”
PSG manager Enrique also shared his thoughts on the final, speaking to TNT Sports about the penalty shootout and his side’s season-long quality.
He said: “I decided a long time ago to stay calm [in these situations]. I’ve tried to just enjoy it, because you need luck to win on penalties, but I thought we showed great quality in terms of our penalty kicks as well as from the goalkeeper.”
Enrique acknowledged Arsenal’s quality while maintaining that PSG’s consistency throughout the season justified their triumph on Europe’s biggest stage.
He said: “I think today both teams deserved to win, but the way we’ve played the whole season I think we deserve to win the Champions League. Next season, we will try to be there. Why not?”
The PSG boss also highlighted the challenge his side faced once Arsenal took the lead through what he described as a fortunate opening goal.
He said: “It was the perfect start for them, they scored from one lucky action, and after that it was a pleasure for them as they know how to defend, so it was very tough.”
Enrique concluded by insisting PSG’s persistence in attack was fully merited, expressing satisfaction with ultimately lifting the trophy for the second year running.
He said: “We are used to attacking in that way with a lot of players behind the ball. We deserved to draw the match, and in the end we’re happy to win the trophy.”
The post Joao Neves Takes Aim At Arsenal After Paris Saint-Germain Retain Champions League Title appeared first on Gooner Daily.
