Goalkeeper David Raya has opened up on on Arsenal’s defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Champions League final last month.
Arsenal lost 4-3 on penalties to the French giants, extending their wait to win Europe’s elite club competition.
The north London side had headed into the game full of confidence after lifting the Premier League title for the first time in 22 years.
In an interview with The Guardian, Raya admitted Arsenal’s defeat to PSG was painful.
He said: “The thing is that when you lose a Champions League final, when you get there for the first time in 20 years, and then you lose on penalties, it destroys you inside,” the goalkeeper admits.
“I left there with my head held high because of the work we had done all year but I was broken inside because we were so, so, so, so close … “
However, Raya acknowledged the progress the Gunners have made and remains optimistic ahead of next season.
“You think about the way the club was a few years ago and the way it is now, how each year we got better in the Champions League, how we won the league for the first time in over 20 years … and that gets a smile out of you,” he added.
“That’s when you think next year we can do better, and win the Champions League.”
The Spaniard prevented the most goals and kept the most clean sheets in the Champions League last term. He was named in the competition’s Team of the Season, alongside Declan Rice and Gabriel.
Meanwhile, Arsenal plan to reinforce their squad this summer to build on last season’s success.
Mikel Arteta’s side are aiming to sign a new left winger. Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers is their priority target.
Arsenal could also sign a new midfielder as they look to bolster their options. They are interested in Newcastle United’s Sandro Tonali, but face competition from rivals Tottenham Hotspur.
There could also be additions at both full-back positions depending on outgoings.
Stats from sofascore.com