At a Glance:
Kai Havertz on missing the penalty shootout after PSG vs Arsenal.
Havertz is proud of Arsenal’s season despite losing the Champions League final.
The 26-year-old fared well against PSG.
Arsenal fans would have unanimously crowned Kai Havertz as a club legend had his opening goal against PSG been a moment that ended the Gunners’ wait to win the Champions League.
The German truly produced a moment of magic as he blasted the ball into the roof of the net and fired the Gunners into an early lead.
Ousmane Dembele eventually equalised from 12 yards out and Gabriel Magalhaes’ miss from the penalty spot meant it was ultimately Luis Enrique’s side who reigned supreme in Europe once again.
Arsenal fans fumed at Gabriel taking a spot-kick as he is a centre-back but unfortunately for Havertz, he was taken off well before the shootout.
Kai Havertz admits watching Arsenal in the penalty shootout vs PSG was tough
Much like Declan Rice, who discussed the positives despite PSG’s win, so did Havertz, initially telling Sky Germany that the club have had a fruitful season by winning the Premier League.
The forward said via journalist Florian Plettenberg: “We really wanted to win the game. But we can be proud of ourselves and our season. We are Premier League champions.
“After my goal, I had a great feeling. But it doesn’t mean anything to me now.”
🚨🆕 Kai Havertz in our interview for Sky after the final: “We really wanted to win the game. But we can be proud of ourselves and our season. We are Premier League champions.”
“After my goal, I had a great feeling. But it doesn’t mean anything to me now.”
On not being on the… pic.twitter.com/So8HSdwdp9
— Florian Plettenberg (@Plettigoal) May 31, 2026
Havertz admitted that it was tough to watch Arsenal battle it out against PSG during the penalty shootout as a spectator but ultimately felt they can be proud of themselves.
“It was difficult for me to watch. I would have loved to be out there. Respect to every single player who took one. It’s not an easy situation. I know that myself. Everyone can be proud. Millimeters made the difference. We’ll still celebrate a great season today.”
Kai Havertz should be proud of himself after Champions League final heroics
Ahead of the Champions League final, several fans and pundits debated whether Arsenal should start Havertz or Viktor Gyokeres against PSG.
The former Chelsea attacker put that debate to put, scoring a cracking goal and leading the line commendably against one of the best defences in Europe.
Arsenal struggled to retain possession against PSG, recording a mere 24.7%, which did not make life any easier for Havertz who was stuck battling the likes of Marquinhos and Willian Pacho up top.
The only regret the Champions League winner can perhaps have is that he took much time to take a shot when Martin Odegaard put him through on goal at 1-0 up, leading Marquinhos to catch up and block his attempt.
Srinivas Sadhanand
Srinivas Sadhanand is a writer for Read Arsenal and Read Man City, with over eight years of experience as a sports journalist. He has worked for established companies such as GRV Media, The Economic Times, Urban Pitch and Sportskeeda among several others. From interview athletes to writing detailed tactical pieces and covering the impact streetwear and music in football, he has many strings to his bow as a journalist. Being a lifelong Manchester City fan, he specialises in writing about them and the Premier League in particular. Away from the desk, he loves watching European football, cricket, films, listening to music and exploring new foods.
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