Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Joao Neves has taken a swipe at Arsenal following his side's dramatic Champions League final victory. The Portuguese star claimed that only one team was willing to play football during the tense encounter in Budapest.
PSG Retain Champions League Crown
PSG successfully defended their Champions League title with a penalty shootout win over Arsenal, who were competing in their first European final in decades. Mikel Arteta's side had just clinched the Premier League title but were unable to add the ultimate prize.
The match started perfectly for Arsenal, with Kai Havertz scoring a brilliant opener after just seven minutes. However, PSG dominated possession and eventually equalized through Ousmane Dembele's penalty after Cristhian Mosquera fouled Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.
Despite Arsenal's resilient defending, the match went to extra time and then penalties, where PSG held their nerve. Eberechi Eze and Gabriel both missed from the spot, handing PSG their second consecutive Champions League trophy.
Neves: PSG Were the Only Team Willing to Play
Speaking to French outlet M6 after the match, Joao Neves did not hold back his criticism of Arsenal's approach. "We deserve it today, because PSG were the only team willing to play," the 21-year-old said. "It's not even the victory in itself that pleases me, but playing with such teammates, this staff, and this management. I love everything here."
Neves, who joined PSG from Benfica last summer, has now won two Champions League titles with the Parisian club. His comments reflect the growing confidence of a side that has established itself as Europe's dominant force.
Luis Enrique Praises Arsenal Despite Victory
PSG manager Luis Enrique was more diplomatic in his assessment of the final. "We deserved that," he said. "It was very tough and difficult but we deserved it. Congratulations to Arsenal, it was very tough. They played great. It's normal. They try to take the match into phases they are strong. We tried to control the ball and press and we have won the title."
PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi also paid tribute to the team and manager. "Today is an amazing history day. Last year, back to back, it's not easy, the Champions League is difficult," he said. "So proud of the team, of the coach, of the staff, of the fans. Everybody doubted us again but thank god we made it and we believed. Luis is very, very special, as a coach, human being, as a person, he is fantastic. He's the best coach in the world."
For Arsenal, the defeat marks a painful end to an otherwise successful season. The Gunners will now look to regroup and challenge again next year under Mikel Arteta's leadership.
