Arsenal’s Eberechi Eze has dismissed external criticism as the club prepares for a historic Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain in Budapest. Fresh off securing the Premier League title for the first time in over two decades, the playmaker is focused on completing an unprecedented double.
From Premier Glory to European Ambition
“We are just another group of people that have the opportunity to win the Champions League, and I pray that we take it. When we do, it will be a special moment for sure,” Eze said during a recent interview. The 26-year-old’s confidence is rooted in a track record of bold predictions that have come true. A year ago, while still at Crystal Palace, he stood beside the Premier League trophy at his foundation’s invitational event and declared, “Everything there is for me to win, I want to win, and I’ll do anything I possibly can to win the Premier League.” Twelve months later, he lifted that very trophy with Arsenal.
That moment came at Selhurst Park, Eze’s former home ground, ending 22 years of league-title drought for the Gunners. His personal journey mirrors the club’s resurgence—released by Arsenal as a youth player, he returned in a £60 million transfer and has since become a pivotal figure. A 2015 social media post reading, “I swear imma make it and when I do, they’re gonna show this tweet,” now stands as a testament to his perseverance.
Blocking Out the Noise
Critics have questioned Arsenal’s style of play and approach throughout the season, but Eze is unfazed. “You go through ups and downs and loads of noise in the media,” he stated. “But, at the end, all that matters is who won. And it doesn’t matter how you won, it doesn’t matter what you did to win. To do it how we’ve done it, for me, is also quite special because we’ve blocked out so much noise, so much attention around us. Style of play is very subjective. There are so many different opinions about it, but ultimately, when you are winning games, that’s all that matters.”
The Gunners face a formidable opponent in PSG, managed by Luis Enrique, who are aiming for back-to-back Champions League titles after thrashing Inter Milan 5-0 in last year’s final to complete a treble. Leaked footage of manager Mikel Arteta declaring Arsenal will be “champions of Europe” has added to the growing sense of expectation surrounding the north London side.
Dreams Within Reach
For Eze, the final represents a childhood fantasy realized. “The Champions League final is what dreams are made of,” he said. “These are things that you’ve spoken about and wanted as a kid. To be able actually to be there is a special thing.” When asked about the team’s mindset, he added, “Confident? Yeah for sure. I feel like we’ve achieved something that means so much to us, and the joy, the confidence, the power that comes with that is special. So I’m sure we’ll be bringing that on the day as well.”
Reflecting on the opportunity, Eze concluded, “It’s quite liberating. It’s an opportunity to do something that has never been done before. Loads of people have had the opportunity. We are just another group of people that have the opportunity, and I pray that we take it. When we do, it will be a special moment for sure.”
From his south London roots to north London triumph)Skip to Budapest, Eze’s faith has carried him this far. One more victory would make history.
