Mikel Arteta discusses impact of Champions League final loss to PSG

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has expressed that the pain of losing the Champions League final to Paris Saint-Germain remains a significant motivator for him and the club. The final, held in Budapest, saw Arsenal take an early lead through Kai Havertz, but PSG equalized via an Ousmane Dembélé penalty. The match ultimately went to a penalty shootout, which PSG won 4-3 after Eberechi Eze and Gabriel missed their attempts.

Reflecting on the defeat, Arteta invoked the words of former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger, stating, “I still have the scar, like Arsene says. I still have that poison in my veins.” He noted that this feeling must remain as a driver for future success. These comments follow Arteta’s recent contract extension at the Emirates, committing his future to the club through June 2030.