Crowned European champions for the second time in a row, Paris Saint-Germain have etched their names in football history thanks to this Champions League victory against Arsenal (1-1, 4-3 on penalties). Speaking to Bruno Salomon on Ici Paris, Nasser Al-Khelaïfi reflected on this triumph, naturally mentioning PSG coach Luis Enrique, but also expressing his deep emotions.
Al-Khelaïfi: “We have the character, the personality to win.”
A first memory of the weekend?
It’s very, very special. In the group stage, we lost against Bayern Munich, we were supposed to play against Newcastle, Tottenham, Bayern Munich… We lost 2-0 against Monaco at one point. Then it was Chelsea, Liverpool, Bayern Munich, and Arsenal. It’s magnificent.
Every match was very important, but I had faith in the team. We were losing 1-0 against Arsenal, and while I never say whether we’re going to win or lose at halftime, this time I said we were going to win. I was at training before the match. You can feel something special. We have the character, the personality to win.
Afterwards, the penalty shootout was very tough. We had some of the best penalty takers on the bench.
Were you afraid?
No, I have faith in our players. But it was very special.
PSG in football legend?
Absolutely. We’re only the second team (in this format) to win back-to-back titles. We have a jersey full of character. We can lose matches, but with courage and character. We don’t give up.
Al-Khelaïfi: “I want to thank everyone, I’m proud of them.”
Are you proud of this character, which PSG hasn’t necessarily always had?
Luis Campos and Luis Enrique, with their staff, and many people who work for the club, have created something very special. It’s like a family. Everyone fights for everyone else. We had players in the final who hadn’t played much, but who came on with personality and character. I want to thank everyone; I’m proud of them.
How does it feel to see that everyone seems to appreciate this PSG?
It’s an honor for us, and I thank the President. We were very proud to be at the Élysée Palace. We won in Budapest, we celebrated there, but here it was special. We have the best fans in the world. They’ve always been behind us. This trophy is for them too. There’s this relationship with them, this trust. We give 100%, and then there’s the result.
Al-Khelaïfi: “They know how to celebrate intelligently, without causing trouble in the city.”
Incidents in Paris: are the fans being blamed? Are some saying PSG isn’t doing enough?
As I’ve already said, we’re against that. We’re not proud of it. The Parisian who’s a PSG supporter doesn’t do that. They know how to celebrate intelligently, without disrupting the city. We need to share and protect our city, as well as the image of the city and the club. This has to stop.
Let’s talk about the sporting side…
Before talking about the sporting side, I want to talk about you. When I hear your comments, I get emotional. I love it, I really do. Even the players, the staff. You’re very special to us. So PSG thanks you for the best voice in the world.
Al-Khelaïfi: “It’s very special, honestly.”
A statue of Luis Enrique at the Parc des Princes? Could an extension happen until 2030?
The coach is very happy with us, we’re proud of him. He’s the best coach in the world. We’re very happy with him. You understand.
A word about the dancing and chanting when you tried to speak at the Parc? What did you feel?
(Tears in his eyes) It’s very special, honestly. You feel the players and the fans behind you. We’ve only lost the Coupe de France in the last two years. It’s something very special. This celebration, with the fans not letting me speak, it was very special. It’s a special trophy.
