Following Arsenal’s heartbreaking loss to PSG in the Champions League final, former Gunners midfielder Jack Wilshere has expressed confidence that the club will not endure another two-decade wait for Europe’s top prize. Speaking on TNT Sports, Wilshere acknowledged the pain of the defeat but insisted that under Mikel Arteta’s leadership, the team is poised for a swift return to the final.
Owen Hargreaves, the ex-Manchester United star, echoed those sentiments, praising Arsenal as the best side in England and among the elite in Europe. “This team has taken fans on an incredible ride. They are here to stay and will bounce back,” Hargreaves remarked.
The final, held in Budapest, saw Arsenal take an early lead through Kai Havertz’s superb strike. However, Ousmane Dembele leveled from the penalty spot, and after a goalless extra time, PSG held their nerve in the shootout. Gabriel and Eberechi Eze missed crucial penalties for Arsenal, handing PSG back-to-back Champions League titles.
Wilshere admitted he thought Arsenal could win on penalties but called the outcome “difficult to accept.” He stressed, however, that “it won’t take another 20 years to reach another final with Mikel at the helm.” Hargreaves added that Arsenal’s dominance in the Premier League and their run to the final prove they belong among Europe’s best.
PSG become only the second club, after Real Madrid, to successfully defend the Champions League trophy.