Arsenal winger Noni Madueke has issued a rallying cry to his teammates, insisting that winning the Champions League would be the perfect culmination of an already remarkable season. The Gunners clinched their first Premier League title in 22 years last week, but Madueke is already focused on adding European glory.
Madueke Sets Sights on Historic Double
Speaking ahead of Saturday's Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain in Budapest, Madueke said: "Given what we witnessed here at the training ground the other night? Man, that would be amazing. Champions League is so big, you know. Premier League is massive. But the Champions League is so big to be able to do that for the first time in the history of the club. That would be amazing and to then celebrate it with all the Arsenal fans would be the cherry on top."
Arsenal have never won the European Cup, having lost their only previous final in 2006 to Barcelona. The club has already scheduled a parade next Sunday to showcase the Premier League trophy to fans in Islington, but Madueke believes lifting the Champions League trophy would make it unforgettable.
Pressure Remains High
Despite suggestions that winning the title has eased pressure, Madueke disagrees. "No. It's separate. Okay, the pressure of the Champions League is there, but pressure is with us all the time. This is Arsenal Football Club. One of the biggest teams in England. The Champions League is of course the big one. It is definitely better that we won the Premier League, for sure, before we go into the Champions League final. I just don't know if we will be thinking about that. We will be thinking about getting another one."
He added: "I think the Premier League will be irrelevant on that night. It will be full focus on the Champions League, just giving our all and trying to make sure we bring that to the final as well."
Arteta's Fun Side
Madueke also recalled seeing manager Mikel Arteta dancing during the title celebrations, where Madueke acted as DJ. "It was good to see the fun side of the manager, you know. Not that I haven't seen it before. Really fun. Yeah, he's very intense. But I knew from the first conversation what he was like. I was happy to see him and he was fun."
The England international praised Arteta's attention to detail: "He's a really good manager. He just helped me. To be diligent, he's helped me to really care about really little details that count a lot towards winning games and fighting for major trophies."
Healthy Competition with Saka
Madueke has been competing with close friend Bukayo Saka for a starting spot all season, a rivalry that will continue at the World Cup. "Yes, it's amazing to have two high level players. But completely different, you know. So yeah, there's definitely parts of his game I try and implement into mine. He probably say the same. So we're so close off the pitch. I think that's well documented."
He added: "It could be the same at the World Cup. Definitely. I want to be here. I know he wants to be here, so. Looks like that's going to be our gig for the foreseeable."
Arsenal face PSG, who are the defending champions and beat the Gunners in last year's semi-final. Madueke and his teammates are eager for revenge and to etch their names in club history.
