Arsenal face PSG in the Champions League final on Saturday night
Ravit Anand
13:03, 30 May 2026Updated 13:07, 30 May 2026
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta
View 2 Images
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta
Jose Mourinho's former captain, who led a famous treble with Inter Milan, has urged Arsenal players to not let the occasion of the Champions League final phase them as they eye an historic triumph over Paris-Saint Germain in Budapest.
Javier Zanetti enjoyed a trophy-laden spell with the Italian giants, winning no less than five Serie A titles, but the pinnacle arguably came in Madrid 16 years ago.
Although not underdogs, Inter went into the 2010 Champions League final against Bayern Munich with the Bavarians favourite to claim a treble of their own.
A 2-0 win cemented European legacy for Zanetti and his Inter teammates, and the Argentina legend has offered advice to Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard who goes in search of a historic Premier League and European double.
FOLLOW OUR ARSENAL FB PAGE! Latest Gunners news, analysis and much more via our dedicated Facebook page
Secure your ultimate European discount before the final whistle with 76% off NordVPN
The ultimate showdown is here. Arsenal are on the march in the Champions League this weekend, ready to fight for Europe's biggest prize and secure their place in football history.
Now is your chance to make your own championship-winning play, by switching to NordVPN. But just like the race to the final whistle, there’s a strict deadline to lock in this world-class deal.
Our Champions League coverage is brought to you in association with NordVPN, the UK's number one VPN according to TechRadar.
A VPN protects your internet connection and online privacy by creating an encrypted tunnel for your data and hiding your IP address, allowing you to safely stream the big match even on public Wi-Fi. With NordVPN, you can block malicious websites, stop web trackers, and monitor data leaks all in one app.
Get 76% off your NordVPN deal for the first two years plus four months extra free.
Speaking at the Gatorade's 5v5 global grassroots football initiative for teenagers aged 14 to 16, Zanetti said: "The Champions League final is something unique. It is really exciting, and for me, having had the chance to live it and win it, it is sensational. It is an unforgettable memory that stays with you for the rest of your life.
"[My advice is] to enjoy the moment, and that, beyond the focus they need for such an important match, they need to do the things they have been doing already, which led them to have this opportunity."
Despite PSG being reigning champions and having the likes of Ballon d'Or winner Ousmane Dembele and Georgian superstar Khvicha Kvaratskhelia in their ranks, Zanetti insists there are no favourites and Arsenal go into the clash equally capable of winning.
Javier Zanetti was speaking at Gatorade's 5v5 global grassroots football initiative for teenagers aged 14 to 16
View 2 Images
Javier Zanetti was speaking at Gatorade's 5v5 global grassroots football initiative for teenagers aged 14 to 16
"There are no favourites in a final. It's a football match, 11 against 11. Both teams deserve to be where they are, and in football, anything can happen, so there are no favourites. The important thing is that everyone knows what they have to do on the pitch.
"I think that Arsenal, as a team, has great players, so anyone can score a goal that could allow a victory. I think they work very well tactically and have many chances, especially as a team."
Article continues below
Gatorade 5v5 has helped young people around the world access football through competitive and community-based experiences that celebrate participation, teamwork, and fun.
The tournament forms part of Gatorade’s wider Fuel Tomorrow initiative, which aims to help 2.5 million teens access sports by 2030.