French giants Paris Saint-Germain defeated Arsenal in a penalty shootout in Budapest to become European champions for the second consecutive season.
Joao Neves unleashes a subtle attack on Arsenal (Image: Getty Images)
Paris Saint-Germain star Joao Neves claimed his side were “the only team I wanted to play” after their Champions League win over Arsenal. The French giants defeated the Gunners on penalties and were crowned European champions for the second consecutive season.
It happened after Kai Havertz and Ousmane Dembele found the back of the net in what was normally a 1-1 draw. Neither team could find a winner in extra time.
Arsenal’s Ebelesi Eze and Gabriel Magalhães were absent for the penalty shootout as PSG clinched their second European title. Portuguese midfielder Neves has appeared to suggest he is not a big fan of Arsenal’s approach following the team’s recent success.
He said: “The emotions are there. It’s the second time we’re European champions. It’s not the victory itself that makes me happy, but the fact that I was able to play with these teammates, this staff and this management team.”
“Coming here was the best decision I ever made. I love everything here. Today was worth it because PSG was the only team I wanted to play.”
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He added: “This year was different. It was harder, more physical. We were European champions and we were able to defend the title. We are part of PSG’s history. We are all happy. Now I want to enjoy the situation with my teammates.”
PSG coach Enrique also gave his verdict on his team’s performance. He insisted that although both teams played well on the day, the form the French side had shown all season gave him reason to believe they deserved the title.
“We decided a long time ago to be calm (in situations like this),” he told TNT Sports. “You need some luck to win on penalties, so we just tried to have fun, but I think we showed great quality in terms of penalties and attacks from the goalkeeper.”
Joao Neves celebrates PSG’s Champions League success (Image: Getty Images)
“I think both teams deserved to win today, but considering how they’ve played all season, I think they deserve to win the Champions League. Next season, we’ll try to get there. Why not?”
“We need to renew the team, because now we have to play for positions and bring in new players. If you are a team like Paris Saint-Germain, these are things you have to do.”
“It was a perfect start for them. They scored from one lucky action. After that I was happy because they know how to defend, so it was very difficult. We are used to attacking like that with a lot of players behind the ball. We deserved a draw and in the end I’m happy to win the trophy.”
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