Joao Neves claims PSG were 'the only team that wanted to play' after Champions League final win over Arsenal

Paris Saint-Germain claimed back-to-back Champions League titles on Wednesday in Budapest, beating Arsenal on penalties after a 1-1 draw that stretched through extra time — and midfielder Joao Neves wasted little time in delivering a pointed verdict on the Gunners’ performance.

Kai Havertz gave Arsenal the lead before Ousmane Dembele equalised for the French side. Neither team could find a winner in extra time, and the shootout proved decisive: Eberechi Eze and Gabriel Magalhaes both missed for Arsenal, handing PSG the trophy.

Neves, speaking after the final whistle, offered praise for his own side that carried an unmistakable edge. “We deserved it today, because PSG were the only team that wanted to play,” the Portuguese midfielder said. He also reflected on what the victory meant personally: “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. Coming here was the best decision I’ve ever made.”

Neves acknowledged the added difficulty of defending a title. “This year was different. It was harder, more physical. We were European champions, so we defended our title. We’re part of PSG history.”

PSG manager Luis Enrique was more measured in his assessment, conceding that Arsenal had matched his side on the night while arguing the broader body of work across the season justified the outcome. “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,” he said.

Enrique also acknowledged the role of fortune in a shootout, while crediting his side’s composure from the spot. “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.”

Looking ahead, the Spaniard signalled that squad changes are coming. “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.”

For Arsenal, the defeat extends their wait for a first European crown, with the manner of the shootout exit — and Neves’s remarks — likely to fuel debate throughout the summer.