Mikel Arteta reveals why Arsenal v PSG is one of the biggest games Emirates Stadium has ever seen
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Mikel Arteta believes Arsenal’s Champions League semi-final clash against Paris Saint-Germain will be “one of the biggest games” ever hosted at the Emirates Stadium since the club left Highbury 19 years ago.
The Gunners welcome the French champions to north London on Tuesday night for the first leg of their last-four encounter, as both clubs look to edge closer to a historic first Champions League title. Arsenal, in fine form this season, booked their semi-final place with a statement win over Real Madrid in the quarter-finals.
Speaking ahead of the highly anticipated showdown, Arteta urged his players to continue writing what he described as a “beautiful story” in Arsenal’s history.
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Asked whether he agreed with winger Gabriel Martinelli’s claim that Tuesday’s match is the biggest game of his career, Arteta responded: “You sense the energy, the enthusiasm, that it’s something unique. It’s probably one of the biggest games the Emirates has seen since we built it. We are full of energy, enthusiasm, and we can’t wait to play the game.”
🚨Arsenal have announced there will be a cannon design tifo that will be suspended from the roof of the Emirates Stadium in the North Bank, which has never been done before ahead of the game against PSG.
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In an emotional message to his squad, Arteta praised their spirit and determination, stressing the historic opportunity in front of them.
“The fact that the team is here as one of the four best teams in Europe tells you about the mindset, the spirit, and how much we really want it,” he said. “We are making history. It’s a beautiful story right now, but we want much more.”
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Arteta also touched on the weight of expectation, acknowledging the significance for long-serving club staff and fans alike.
“You feel the weight of history, especially because we have people who have worked at the club for many years and have never been in this position. It’s unique and beautiful. We’ve never won it — we need to earn the right to be in that final.”
He added: “We have an incredible opportunity. We are here to make people happy, to create history, and we are very close. Now we have to take the opportunity and make it happen.”
Arteta also provided a fitness update on midfielder Mikel Merino ahead of the semi-final but did not reveal full details on his availability.
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