Paris Saint-Germain president Nasser Al-Khelaifi has fired a subtle transfer message to Arsenal owner Stan Kroenke after the two teams clashed in the Champions League semi-finals.
Luis Enrique's side ultimately defeated the Gunners 3-1 on aggregate with victories secured in both legs. As such, they will face Inter in this season's Champions League final after their chaotic encounter with Barcelona.
After the 2-1 win at Parc Des Princes, PSG chief Al-Khelaifi revealed the methods taken to reaching this point. "It’s a great feeling to be in the final," he admitted on CBS Sports.
"Our objective was just to qualify from the group stages. I think many people forgot we had four points with three matches left. We were losing against [Manchester] City 2-0 but then came back.
"We always had faith in our players and coach. I promise you we were never going to change anything with the project. We were sticking to our plan whatever the result was. We believe in our coach."
When it was pointed out to him that PSG were the first team to go beyond the semi-finals with an average age of under 25, Al-Khelaifi was hardly surprised as he said: "Young and hungry players that will really work and fight for the team. They would die for the jersey, that is the most important thing for the club."
Arsenal and France legend Thierry Henry later had some kind words for Al-Khelaifi, especially following so many previous heartbreaks in the Champions League.
"Being French, I know the pressure that you came under, and you know this town is not a nice one when things aren't going well, and I have to say that you always conducted yourself really well, you listened to what was missing," Henry said. "We talked about it, and that the team at the time had to go young.
"When you went to get Luis Enrique, I said to you, 'You got a proper coach, he doesn't mess around, you will see,' but I wanted to say, thank you, because you changed the way people see Paris Saint-Germain.
"When I was growing up, it wasn't the case, you changed everything, the community, people can go and watch the games, which wasn't always the case, so hopefully you can make the next step and bring another star.
"I know it's my team you knocked out, but I want Paris Saint-Germain to win it because it will seal what you've done and the way you've done it, and you put Paris back on the map."
The PSG president replied: "Thank you very much, coach. Those words mean a lot to us from a legend like you. Today we fought for not just Paris Saint-Germain but for France, Ligue 1 and for the young players in Paris.
"I think this is the message, whenever you have a dream, make it come true. But I will say again, there is still one match to go."
It is quite clear that Al-Khelaifi cares deeply about PSG being successful and following shrewd investment into the squad with Desire Doue, Bradley Barcola, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Joao Neves and Willian Pacho all new additions, it is no surprise that PSG are doing so well.
Arsenal are now the team that needs that kind of backing with Kroenke set to play a big role in deciding whether that actually happens. A good start to that has been made with a verbal agreement reached to sign Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad.
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Arsenal Manager Mikel Arteta, Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard and Gabriel Jesus with the Arsenal Therapy Dog Win during the Arsenal Men's team group shoot at London Colney on September 18, 2023
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