Manager Sir Alex Ferguson reportedly described Arsenal as “boring” in a personal email to PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi after the Champions League final.
Sir Alex Ferguson reportedly sent a text message to Paris Saint-Germain president Nasser Al-Khelaifi (Image: Martin Rickett/PA Wire)
Manager Sir Alex Ferguson has reportedly given a clear verdict on Arsenal’s performance following their defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League final.
L’Equipe reports that the Manchester United legend sent a text message to PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi after the penalty shootout win over the Gunners in Budapest.
Kai Havertz’s opening goal was canceled out by Ousmane Dembele’s penalty in the second half, and in the penalty shootout, Ebelesi Eze and Gabriel Magalhães both missed the target, leaving Mikel Arteta’s side just short of a historic double.
Ferguson, who lifted the trophy twice with United, congratulated Al-Khelaifi, but also gave a harsh verdict on Arsenal’s performance in the final.
Arteta’s side had less than 25% possession throughout the 120 minutes, with their only shot on target.
Ferguson didn’t seem too impressed with what he witnessed from the Premier League champions.
His message reportedly read: “Nasser, this is Alex Ferguson. Well done, it was a tough night for you, against a boring team that played a lot of defense. Enjoy your holidays. You deserve it.”
However, talkSPORT reporter Ben Jacobs claimed that Ferguson did not actually describe Arsenal as “boring”, suggesting that Ferguson may have instead said: “You were a team that played football”.
PSG’s Joao Neves also criticized Arsenal’s style of play following the Ligue 1 giants’ victory.
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.”
PSG manager Luis Enrique celebrates the victory with president Nasser Al-Khelaifi (Image: Marvin Ibo Guengoer – GES Sportfoto/Getty Images)
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“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.”
After the win against Arsenal, Al-Khelaifi spoke about the importance of this historic victory for PSG.
“Today is a great historical day,” Al-Khelaifi told TNT Sports. “Last year was not easy in quick succession and the Champions League was also difficult. I am very proud of the team, the staff, the coaches and the fans.”
“Everyone doubted us again, but thank God we succeeded and believed.”
He added: “It was great. After the first half, I told the players we were going to win. I promise you, I felt that way before the game and I know it was tough.”
“It was unlucky for Arsenal. A great team, a great team, they gave it their all and huge respect to them.”
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