Mikel Arteta has called on his Arsenal players to “own the moment” as they prepare for Saturday’s Champions League final against holders Paris Saint-Germain at the Puskas Arena in Budapest. Speaking on Friday, May 29, 2026, the Spanish coach said the match is Arsenal’s second appearance in a European final and a chance to “write a new chapter in the history of this football club”. The Gunners have never lifted the trophy and lost their only previous final to Barcelona 20 years ago. Arteta insisted his side must play with “such clarity, a lot of courage and a relentless desire to win,” adding that if they bring those three aspects, “I’m sure we are going to be close to winning”.
Arsenal reached the final unbeaten, conceding just six goals en route, and secured their place with a 1-0 win over Atletico Madrid in the semi-final second leg at the Emirates on May 5, sealing a 2-1 aggregate victory. Arteta said the team has earned the right to be in Budapest but must now “earn the right to win the trophy” on the pitch. He dismissed any concern that winning the Premier League after a 22-year wait would satisfy the squad, saying that title “has to be a platform to reach bigger destinations and to aim for more”. “Our ambition is bigger. We have one and we want the second one,” he explained, stressing that the team is capable and he wants the players to be confident they will do it.
The Arsenal manager emphasized mental qualities as decisive against Luis Enrique’s PSG, who are defending champions after beating Inter Milan 5-0 in last season’s final. Arteta noted the emotional shift in energy and belief after reaching the final, but said his job is to keep the group stable ahead of a demanding run that also includes three remaining Premier League matches to secure the title. He urged his players to stay present, live in the moment, and show the same hunger they have shown all season, or more, because “everything we do is going to matter”. Arsenal’s defensive strength and collective desire are central to Arteta’s plan, as he looks to guide the club to its first-ever Champions League crown and complete a historic double.
