Thierry Henry has admitted that Arsenal are 'not at the level' of Paris Saint-Germain ahead of the Champions League final, but remains hopeful that Mikel Arteta's side can lift the trophy. The Premier League leaders will face the French champions in Budapest on May 30, marking their first European final in 20 years.
Henry's Honest Assessment
Speaking on CBS Sports after PSG's semi-final victory over Bayern Munich, Henry said: 'We're not in a position to pick and choose. We're not at the level of those guys yet so you have to be humble with it. I'm so happy we're in the final, let's see what we can do against this team because that's an outstanding team.'
The Arsenal legend added: 'Stay in your lane, we're not here to pick and choose, let's just hope we can beat PSG, but it's going to be very difficult.'
Emotional Return to the Final
Henry expressed his joy at Arsenal reaching the final after a two-decade wait: 'I woke up with a smile this morning because it's been 20 years since we got to the final. To be in a position to compete for the Premier League, it's been 22 years since we won it as well.'
He highlighted Arsenal's defensive solidity: 'We still haven't lost in Europe and we're not conceding many goals, that has to count for something. PSG though will have the experience of winning it and they won't have any fear.'
Henry admitted he will be nervous: 'I'm usually not too nervous but I think I will be nervous for that final because they could do something I couldn't do myself. You want your team to win and experience that. Hopefully it's going to happen but look at how PSG played tonight, they can kill you in both ways, by scoring more goals than you and by neutralising you.'
Owen Hargreaves Backs Arsenal
Despite Henry's caution, former Manchester United midfielder Owen Hargreaves believes Arsenal have a genuine chance. Speaking on TNT Sports, he said: 'Arsenal have a chance, without question. With that defence that they have, the goalkeeper, they're brilliant. Declan Rice has played as a defensive midfield player and he's brilliant in there. That will be fascinating.'
Hargreaves added: 'PSG will be more attacking than they were against Bayern but this is a different Arsenal now. I think the last three or four weeks they went through that little blip. They believe now. They have a chance. They just have to believe.'
Arsenal secured their place in the final by defeating Atletico Madrid, while PSG continued their impressive title defence by overcoming Bayern Munich. The Gunners are also closing in on their first Premier League title since 2004, setting up a potentially historic season.
