Vitinha, 25-year-old Paris Saint-Germain midfielder, spoke to La Gazzetta dello Sport ahead of the 2024-2025 Champions League final against Inter Milan on Saturday May 31 at Munich’s Allianz Arena (kick-off 9pm, CET). He discusses the opponent, the progress of the Parisian team, Ousmane Dembélé (28-year-old Parisian striker) and Gianluigi Donnarumma (26-year-old Parisian goalkeeper).

Vitinha “approach this moment in a positive way.”

How is the group feeling as the final approaches?

It’s been a very long season, sometimes very difficult, but we’ve worked hard to get to this point. Now we can approach this moment in a positive way, enjoying every moment we have.

As Verratti’s heir, how do you see the duel with Inter’s Barella, who replaced Verratti in the national team?

It will be an interesting challenge. So far, we’ve had a good run like Inter, who have some great players in midfield. It’s not just Barella, but also Mkhitaryan and Calhanoglu, not to mention Frattesi, who decided the match against Barcelona. We know what we’re up against, but we also have our qualities to bring to the table. We’re ready for it.

How do you see Inter?

They’re a team who never give up, who have a lot of experience at the highest level, who have not only technical and tactical qualities, but also great mental strength. Just like us. That’s why I’m sure it’ll be a great match.

Vitinha “Nowhere is it written that the most experienced team always wins.”

Can Inter’s experience make the difference?

I don’t think so. Even though we’re a younger team, we still managed to reach the final. And it’s not written anywhere that it’s always the most experienced team that wins the Champions League. Inter are a great team and it’s going to be a tough game, but we’re ready.

Will Lautaro and Dembélé also be playing for the Ballon d’Or in this match?

In my opinion, Dembélé already deserves it. But the season isn’t over yet, and I hope that the Champions League final will help him win it.

Vitinha “a real team is born, with a real leader like Luis Enrique.”

In this PSG that no longer has any big stars, Dembélé has become a reference point like Luis Enrique.

To be honest, I think the key to this season lies in the fact that a real team has emerged, with a real leader like Luis Enrique. And among the players, it’s clear that Dembélé stands out for his qualities.

Is PSG better than last year?

Yes, and we announced that we would do everything we could to improve. This year, we’re more of a team, more of a collective. It hasn’t been easy, because at the start, especially in the Champions League, we struggled to score goals.

That’s all we needed. But when we got going, we gained confidence and certainty in our game, and we made a quantum leap in terms of quality.

Vitinha “When he plays like that, he’s the best goalkeeper in the world.”

It will be a special match for Donnarumma, a former Milan player, against Inter, an Italian team.

Gigio has been one of the protagonists of our season. He saved us several times, against Arsenal, Aston Villa and Liverpool. When he plays like that, he’s the best goalkeeper in the world. It’s a pleasure and a privilege to play with him.

Who’s the favourite for this final?

In a final like this, there are no favourites. There are two great teams on the pitch who will do everything to win. What I can guarantee our supporters is that Psg will do everything in its power to make our dream come true.