After Paris Saint-Germain won the Champions League for the second year in a row, one PSG star decided to fire a shot at Arsenal
23:23, 30 May 2026Updated 23:27, 30 May 2026
Joao Neves putting on his Champions League winners' medal
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Joao Neves has fired a dig at Arsenal's performance(Image: Getty Images)
Paris Saint-Germain star Joao Neves insisted his side were the 'only team that wanted to play' following their Champions League victory against Arsenal. The French giants claimed the European title for the second consecutive season after defeating the Gunners on penalties.
This followed a 1-1 draw in regulation time, with both Kai Havertz and Ousmane Dembele getting on the scoresheet. Neither team managed to find a decisive goal in extra time.
Eberechi Eze and Gabriel Magalhaes failed to convert for Arsenal in the shootout, allowing PSG to clinch a second European trophy. Speaking following his side's latest triumph, Portuguese midfielder Neves seemed to imply he was less than impressed with Arsenal's tactics.
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He twisted the knife into Arsenal with a 14-word barb about their playing style. He said: "We deserved it today, because PSG were the only team that wanted to play."
In full, he said: "The emotion is there. It's the second time I've been a European champion. It's not even the victory itself that pleases me, but playing with such teammates, this staff, and this management.
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"Coming here was the best decision I've ever made. I love everything here. We deserved it today, because PSG were the only team that wanted to play."
He added: "This year was different. It was harder, more physical. We were European champions, so we defended our title. We're part of PSG history. We're all happy. I want to enjoy this with my teammates now."
Joao Neves celebrating
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Neves relished every moment of PSG's second Champions League victory(Image: Getty Images)
PSG manager Enrique also offered his assessment of his team's display. He suggested that while the two clubs were evenly matched on the day, the form his French outfit has demonstrated throughout the campaign provided justification for their triumph.
Speaking to TNT Sports, he said: "I decided a long time ago to stay calm [in these situations]. I've tried to just enjoy it, because you need luck to win on penalties, but I thought we showed great quality in terms of our penalty kicks as well as from the goalkeeper.
"I think today both teams deserved to win, but the way we've played the whole season I think we deserve to win the Champions League. Next season, we will try to be there. Why not?
BUDAPEST, HUNGARY - MAY 30: Kai Havertz seen after the UEFA Champions League Final 2026 match between Paris Saint-Germain and Arsenal FC at Puskas Arena on May 30, 2026 in Budapest, Hungary. (Photo by Grzegorz Wajda/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images)
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Arsenal looked crestfallen after the loss(Image: Eurasia Sport Images, Getty Images)
"We need to renew the squad, because now we have to play for the position and get new players. These are the things you need to do when you're a side like Paris Saint-Germain.
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"It was the perfect start for them, they scored from one lucky action, and after that it was a pleasure for them as they know how to defend, so it was very tough.
"We are used to attacking in that way with a lot of players behind the ball. We deserved to draw the match, and in the end we're happy to win the trophy."
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