Mikel Arteta: The Arsenal manager claims that Paris Saint-Germain is designed to secure the Champions League title, reflecting on the time of Ronaldinho and Jay-Jay Okocha.

Mikel Arteta is brimming with excitement as he leads his Arsenal side into a pivotal clash in their quest for UEFA Champions League glory. The Gunners are just one win away from reaching the final, a feat they have yet to achieve in their history, despite coming close in 2006 when they were runners-up to Barcelona.

The return leg at the Parc des Princes is set to be broadcast live on TNT Sports and discovery+ on Wednesday, May 7. Arsenal, who have never lifted Europe’s most coveted trophy, are determined to change that narrative this season.

Arteta expressed his confidence in the squad, stating, “We’re excited, full of energy. We are one win away from being in a Champions League final, so you can imagine. It’s a big opportunity that we have. We are so convinced that we can do it.”

Reflecting on the first leg, which ended in a stalemate, he noted, “It was a really, really even match. It was defined by a moment. I’m sure tomorrow we will have ours. It’s about capitalising on those moments and making it our own.”

This match also holds personal significance for Arteta, who began his professional career at PSG. The Spaniard spent 18 months on loan at the French club, where he played alongside some of the game’s greats, including Ronaldinho and Jay-Jay Okocha.

Arteta reminisced about his time in Paris, saying, “We had some of the best players in the world at the time. It was about winning. It was about the highest standards. This club has been built to win the Champions League. They have been trying for many years and it’s no different now.”

The Arsenal manager will also face off against former team-mate Luis Enrique, who he played alongside at Barcelona. Arteta praised Enrique’s coaching abilities, saying, “He is a magnificent coach; someone very special, someone inspiring. What he’s done again is build a team. It’s very clear what he wants to do. I’m looking forward to facing him.”

However, Arteta knows that overcoming PSG will be a formidable challenge. The Parisians have won 11 of their last 15 home games, with their only defeats coming against Liverpool in the Champions League and Nice in Ligue 1.

On the other hand, Arsenal can take heart from their recent form, having secured four consecutive away victories in the Champions League, including a notable win against Real Madrid at the Bernabeu.

Arteta concluded, “We’ve done it against very different opposition in a really convincing way as well. We’ve learnt from the past game; it was not the result that we wanted to take, but it brings so much clarity about what we have to do tomorrow.

“When you come to these stadiums, you have to elevate the level. You have to be at your best. Tomorrow we have an incredible opportunity to be in the final. The fact that we’ve never won it, the opportunity that we are one win away from competing in that final brings a different emotion to your body. It’s natural. It’s happening. Let’s do it tomorrow.”

For those looking to catch the action, kick-off for PSG v Arsenal is at 20:00 UK time on Wednesday, May 7, with live coverage starting at 19:00 on TNT Sports 1, TNT Sports Ultimate, and discovery+. TNT Sports is available across all major TV platforms, offering a comprehensive line-up of channels. Subscribers can access TNT Sports through discovery+, BT, EE, Sky, and Virgin Media. To find local establishments showing the match, fans can use the Pub Finder Tool.