Javier Pastore, 35, former Paris Saint-Germain attacking midfielder (2011-2018), spoke to Le Parisien about the intense emotion of PSG’s Champions League victory. He looks back on the Parisian club’s historic night and shares his unique memories and feelings.
Pastore “Sincerely, it’s a lot of emotions…”
“Sincerely, it’s a lot of emotions…After the match, I couldn’t sleep, there was too much excitement, I was watching images of the final. At the final whistle, I didn’t understand what was happening.
And then I thought back to all those years here. The first thing President Nasser said to me when I signed was ‘I want to build a team to win the Champions League’.
Pastore “It was my dream to win this competition”.
It was my dream to win this competition. So imagine… Being at the final, seeing the president, Marquinhos, Kimpembe, the players who were with me, lifting the cup… It was exceptional, truly unique emotions.
I spoke with Marquinhos, Kimpembe, Barcola, Donnarumma, Vitinha and Hakimi. When Marquinhos and I met, we were both very moved and we cried together. He too believed in the project from the start.
It’s a source of pride to see him lift the cup as captain. I thanked him and, above all, congratulated him on his career and his trajectory. We had a slightly more complicated time in the Champions League, we just couldn’t manage it. But now it’s done.
For Javier Pastore, Paris Saint-Germain’s Champions League triumph is not just a sporting achievement, but the fulfillment of a dream he has shared since joining the club. The Argentinian recalls the early days of the Parisian project under Nasser Al-Khelaïfi, who promised to build a team capable of conquering Europe.
Seeing Marquinhos, Kimpembe and other historic team-mates lift the Cup rekindled a deep emotion in him, mixing pride and nostalgia. Pastore insists on the strength of collective effort and perseverance, recalling the many disappointments of the past in the Champions League..
His emotional encounter with Marquinhos, both overcome by tears, symbolizes the loyalty and resilience of a group that has never ceased to believe in its European destiny. For Pastore, this victory belongs to all those who have contributed to PSG’s history, both on and off the pitch.
This PSG is great, it has matured and from now on, other teams in Europe will have more respect. The Parisian club has earned this right by no longer being the eternal loser, but by becoming a magnificent winner.
