Joao Neves Takes Aim at Arsenal After PSG Retain Champions League Title

Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Joao Neves appeared to take a swipe at Arsenal's approach after the French champions successfully defended their UEFA Champions League crown with a dramatic penalty shootout victory in Budapest.

PSG secured their second consecutive European title after defeating the Premier League champions 4-3 on penalties following a hard-fought 1-1 draw after extra time.

Kai Havertz had given Arsenal an early advantage, but Ousmane Dembélé's second-half penalty restored parity and ultimately forced the contest beyond 120 minutes.

With neither side able to find a decisive breakthrough during extra time, the final was settled from the penalty spot, where misses from Eberechi Eze and Gabriel Magalhães proved costly for the Gunners.

Neves Questions Arsenal's Approach

Speaking after the final whistle, Neves expressed his delight at helping PSG secure another Champions League triumph but also appeared to criticise Arsenal's tactical approach.

The Portuguese midfielder suggested that PSG were the more proactive side throughout the contest.

"We deserved it today because PSG were the only team that wanted to play," Neves said.

His remark is likely to spark debate among supporters, particularly given Arsenal's impressive campaign under Mikel Arteta and their strong performances throughout both domestic and European competitions.

"The Best Decision I've Ever Made"

Neves also reflected on his time in Paris and praised the environment created by the club.

"The emotion is incredible," he said.

"It's the second time I've become a European champion. More than winning the trophy, what makes me happiest is sharing these moments with my teammates, the coaching staff and everyone at the club.

"Coming here was the best decision I've ever made. I love everything about this club."

The midfielder admitted that retaining the title had presented a greater challenge than winning it for the first time.

"This season was different. It was more difficult and more physical.

"As European champions, we had the responsibility of defending the trophy. Now we have become part of the club's history, and everyone is delighted."

Neves added that his immediate focus was simply to celebrate the achievement alongside his teammates.

Enrique Hails PSG's Season

PSG manager Luis Enrique also reflected on the triumph and acknowledged the role that composure and quality played in the penalty shootout.

"I decided a long time ago to remain calm in situations like this," Enrique told TNT Sports.

"I tried to enjoy the occasion because you need a certain amount of luck to win a penalty shootout.

"However, I thought we showed great quality with our penalties and our goalkeeper also made important contributions."

The Spaniard admitted that both sides had legitimate claims to victory on the night but felt PSG's performances across the entire campaign justified their success.

"I think both teams deserved to win today," he said.

"But if you look at the way we have played throughout the season, I believe we deserved to win the Champions League."

PSG Already Looking Ahead

Despite the celebrations, Enrique revealed that planning for next season is already underway as the club seeks to maintain its position among Europe's elite.

"We will try to be here again next season. Why not?" he said.

"We always need to refresh and improve the squad because that is what clubs of this level must do.

"There is always competition for places and there is always a need to strengthen."

Enrique also credited Arsenal for making life difficult after taking an early lead.

"It was the perfect start for them," he explained.

"They scored from a fortunate situation and after that they were able to defend in a way that made things very difficult for us.

"We are accustomed to facing teams that defend with many players behind the ball. We deserved to equalise and in the end we are delighted to have won the trophy."

Another Historic Night for PSG

The victory further cements PSG's status among Europe's dominant forces and marks another significant milestone in the club's modern history.

For Arsenal, meanwhile, the defeat brings another painful chapter in their pursuit of a first Champions League title, despite an outstanding season that delivered Premier League glory and a memorable run to the European final.

While the celebrations belong to Paris Saint-Germain, Neves' post-match comments are likely to ensure that discussion surrounding the final continues long after the trophy has been lifted.