Arsenal to start PSG clash with ‘12 men’ after Mikel Arteta’s rallying plea
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Mikel Arteta has urged Arsenal supporters to deliver the most electric atmosphere the Emirates Stadium has ever seen as the Gunners prepare to host Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in Tuesday night’s Champions League semi-final first leg.
After eliminating 15-time European champions Real Madrid in spectacular fashion in the quarter-finals, Arsenal are aiming to reach their first Champions League final since 2006. With the Premier League title now out of reach following Liverpool’s triumph on Sunday, Europe remains Arsenal’s final shot at silverware this season.
Arteta is counting on the fans to once again inspire his players, just as they did during the 3-0 demolition of Real Madrid on April 8.
“It’s probably one of the biggest games at the Emirates since we built it,” Arteta said. “We are making history — it’s a beautiful story right now, but we want much more.”
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Calling for even greater energy from the home crowd, the Arsenal boss added: “More noise than against Real Madrid. I’m not exaggerating when I say: Guys, bring your boots, bring your shorts, bring your shirts — and let’s play every ball together.
🚨Mikel Arteta issues a huge message to the Arsenal fans ahead of the game against PSG. pic.twitter.com/ydZQwT1Tz5
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“If we want to do something special, that place has to be something special, something we haven’t seen before. I really hope everybody who comes to the Emirates brings that energy.
“The players feel it. They believe they can be better, and that’s what they felt against Real Madrid. You look at them in the eyes and know they cannot wait to play.”
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Arsenal have never lifted the UEFA Champions League trophy, with their only final appearance coming 19 years ago. But with Tuesday’s first leg at home and confidence high, Arteta believes the moment is ripe.
“It’s an incredible opportunity. We are here to make history, and we are very close. Now we have to make it happen. We have a massive opportunity — as a club and as fans — and it’s about who we are and how much we want it.”
While Arsenal defeated PSG 2-0 in the group stage at the Emirates earlier this season, Luis Enrique’s side have grown stronger since then, knocking out Premier League champions Liverpool and Aston Villa en route to the semi-finals.
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