Paris Saint-Germain beat Inter Milan 5-0 (video highlights PSG/Inter Milan) this Saturday at the Allianz Arena in the final of the Champions League 2024-2025. After the victory, Paris striker Ousmane Dembélé (28) spoke to Canal+.
Dembélé “we had to pull out all the stops, the great Paris Saint-Germain.”
Is it joy, is it relief, what is it?
It’s pride. It’s everything. This Champions League final is exceptional, this first victory for Paris Saint-Germain. Winning 5-0 in the final against Inter Milan is difficult. We showed our quality. We saw that it was difficult at the start and we built up our strength, and to finish with this victory is exceptional.
Honestly, was it unimaginable to have a scenario like this?
At the start, yes, especially in the first Champions League games when it was difficult. We grew in confidence from match to match, going to Liverpool, Arsenal and Aston Villa, and playing some great games. We knew that in this final we’d have to pull out all the stops, the great Paris Saint-Germain, the club deserves it. The fans deserve it too. It’s exceptional.
Dembélé “You have to give 100%, attack and defend together.”
Did you feel the change or did it come gradually?
We created a lot of chances, especially at the start of the Champions League, but we couldn’t score. The coach has changed a few things and that’s been good for us.
There’s also a lot of competition in this team, which pushes all the players to give 100%, otherwise you get replaced. You have to give 100%, attack and defend together. We’ve put together a real team, and we’ve really raised our game by game. It’s exceptional to win PSG’s first Champions League. We’ve got to celebrate, but not break everything.
Dembélé “I’m giving 100% for Paris Saint-Germain.”
Did you imagine you’d have this leadership role in this team? What has changed?
The coach and I have been talking since day one, and he trusts me. He knows I’m a team player. I give 100% for Paris Saint-Germain. I’m not someone who cheats, especially for this shirt, which is exceptional for a club like PSG.
We’ve changed a few things, including our mentality. I’ve also said that I want to score goals and that I want to be a leader, so I have to set an example for the younger players too, because I’m not young anymore. You also have to set an example, as the coach told me at the start of the season.
You have to show them that you have to defend and attack and give everything for the shirt. I’m having a lot of fun, and I put a lot of pressure on the keeper not to let him clear.
