Arsenal’s thrilling run to the UEFA Champions League semifinals has captured the imagination of fans and players alike, but manager Mikel Arteta insists the journey is far from over. With the first leg of their semifinal clash against Paris Saint-Germain looming at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday, Arteta is urging his side to push beyond their current achievement and etch their names into the club’s history books.
The Gunners have already made headlines this season by eliminating defending champions Real Madrid in the quarterfinals with a dominant 5-1 aggregate scoreline. That impressive feat has boosted belief within the squad, but the Spaniard warns that this is no time for celebration—it’s time to finish the job.
Mikel Arteta Carrying the Weight of History
For Arteta, the significance of this moment is not lost. Arsenal has never lifted the Champions League trophy, and their last semifinal appearance came all the way back in 2009, when they were defeated by Manchester United. Their sole appearance in a final was in 2006, where they fell 2-1 to Barcelona under Arsène Wenger.
“This club has waited far too long for a moment like this,” Arteta said during his pre-match press conference. “You can feel the weight of the history, the burden of unfinished business. There are people at this club—staff, fans, players—who’ve waited their whole lives for nights like this.”
“This is not just about reaching the semifinals. It’s about breaking barriers. We’ve come so far, and we don’t want this to be the end. We’re creating something memorable, but we’re hungry for more.”
A Season of Adversity and Spirit
Arsenal’s Premier League title hopes may have slipped away following inconsistent domestic form—just one win in their last four league games allowed Liverpool to clinch the title early—but in Europe, they’ve been a different beast. With six wins in eight Champions League matches, including a crushing 9-3 aggregate win over PSV Eindhoven in the Round of 16, their European form has been nothing short of spectacular.
Adding to the challenge, Arsenal has had to navigate the season with injuries to several key players including Bukayo Saka, Martin Ødegaard, Ben White, and Kai Havertz. Despite these setbacks, the squad has maintained its composure and unity, with Arteta emphasizing their resilience.
“The fact that we’re one of the last four teams standing in Europe says everything about this team’s character,” he said. “It speaks volumes about their mindset, their resilience, and how much they truly desire this success.”
Reinforcements Return and the 12th Man
There’s more good news for Arsenal ahead of this crucial tie. Key players like Ben White and Mikel Merino have returned to training and could feature in the starting XI. Arteta, though, is also counting on another important factor: the fans.
He issued a passionate call to the Arsenal faithful, urging them to create an electric atmosphere that could tilt the tie in their favor—much like the unforgettable night when they thrashed Real Madrid 3-0 at home.
“I’m not exaggerating when I say this,” Arteta said, “but if you really want to do something special, the stadium has to become a fortress. Bring your boots, your jerseys, and your voices. Let’s play every ball together.”
Mikel Arteta Eyes on a Historic Milestone
This season represents a turning point for Arsenal under Arteta. The FA Cup victory in 2020 gave fans a taste of silverware under his management, but the Champions League is the crown jewel they all crave. With a young and hungry squad, bolstered by a manager who refuses to settle, Arsenal now finds itself within touching distance of a milestone moment.
If Arteta succeeds in leading the Gunners past PSG and ultimately to European glory, he will not only end the club’s decades-long wait for continental success but also carve out his own legacy as one of Arsenal’s great managers.
For now, though, the message is clear: the journey isn’t over. The story is still being written—and Arteta wants the ending to be legendary.
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