Kai Havertz scored the winning goal as Chelsea beat Manchester City in the 2021 Champions League final and Arsenal will be aiming to repeat it when they face PSG on Saturday.
Kai Havertz could win his second Champions League on Saturday (Image: John Walton/PA Wire)
Kai Havertz wants to relive the best moments of his career. Arsenal striker Havertz still describes it as a dream come true after scoring the winning goal as Chelsea beat Manchester City in the 2021 Champions League final.
Five years on, Havertz now has the chance to win what he believes is the most difficult trophy to win again, but insists Arsenal are far from being such big outsiders against Paris Saint-Germain on Saturday.
“Personally, it’s something I’ll never forget. Like you said, I think we were definitely the underdogs that day. We didn’t have the best season, but obviously it’s completely different now,” Havertz said.
“Personally, when I was a kid, I never dreamed that I would score a goal in the final and win that game. I’ll never forget that moment. I’ll always be proud. I’ll just try to carry this feeling into next Saturday. I’d like to feel that feeling again if possible.”
“For me, it’s obviously a positive feeling. I can’t wait to play that game and bring the trophy back to North London. I think there were obviously a lot of good moments for me, but if I could pick one, it was definitely the most important moment for me personally.”
At the time, Chelsea were managed by Thomas Tuchel, and Havertz scored the winning goal just before half-time. He joined Arsenal two years later and brought not only quality but also a winning mentality, despite missing out on big chances due to injury.
That’s what Mikel Arteta sees in him and the experience of helping Chelsea win the Champions League and playing on Germany’s biggest stage will serve him well. Kepa Arrizabalaga was also part of that Chelsea team.
But Havertz also believes that winning the Champions League is the ultimate test, but the rewards are huge.
Havertz said: “Along with the Premier League, it’s probably the most difficult competition to win. There’s so much history in this competition. So many big players have played there. And it’s great to be there and compete to win trophies.”
“I remember watching every game as a kid. Just watching the finals is so special. So to actually be in the game was surreal and I think we’re all very happy.”
“We’ve got to get there, but then we’ve got to take that step and win. It’s going to be difficult, but I think we’re well-prepared.”
“In general, I think we have a lot of players who have played in big games. Obviously, Kepa and I have played in that game before and we won. I can only give them good memories of my own, so maybe that will help. I can’t wait to come to Budapest and play in that game.”
Havertz admits this season has been a mixture of joy at winning the title and frustration due to injuries. They have had some bad moments, such as losing to Manchester City in the Carabao Cup final, but they have learned from them.
“I think the biggest thing, to be fair, was losing to City in the Carabao Cup final. That was the moment we felt we could do more, this team has more and everyone needed to lift their spirits.”
“Then there was an international break and we told ourselves we have to come back stronger. From that moment on, things changed a little bit and we became more successful.
Havertz scores the winning goal as Chelsea beat Manchester City (Image: Chelsea FC, Getty Images)
“I think that was a big moment for me. It’s always frustrating when you lose in the final, so it was great to come back from that and win the league like this.”
“I feel great. To be fair, I was reminded of that the other day because obviously it was a bad situation when I got injured. It’s not good to get injured, especially after a big injury. But all the players and staff have helped me believe in myself and get back to my best.”
Havertz also insists it doesn’t matter whether Arsenal are considered underdogs against PSG. Because the team has confidence.
He added: “To be fair, I don’t even think about that. I feel like PSG won last year, so I think they were probably the best team in Europe last year. They had another incredible season.”
“For us, this is the second time the club has reached the final and we are very confident. We have been competing at the highest level for the past few years and we have finally won the Premier League.”
“I think it’s a big boost for us as well. We’re just going to see how it goes. It doesn’t matter if we’re behind or whatever. We’re going to go out on the field and beat them. So good luck.”
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