Noni Madueke has urged Arsenal to cap their Premier League title triumph by winning the Champions League for the first time in the club's history. The Gunners face Paris Saint-Germain in the final in Budapest on Saturday, and Madueke says lifting the European Cup would be 'the cherry on top' of an incredible season.
Arsenal secured the Premier League title for the first time in 22 years last week, sparking celebrations at the training ground and a nightclub appearance where Madueke acted as DJ. Manager Mikel Arteta even joined the party. But Madueke insists the focus is now on making more history.
'Given what we witnessed here at the training ground the other night? Man, that would be amazing,' Madueke said. '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 a victory parade scheduled for next Sunday to show off the Premier League trophy, but a double celebration would be unforgettable. The club have never won the Champions League, having lost the 2006 final to Barcelona. PSG beat Arsenal in last year's semi-final, and Madueke is relishing the chance for revenge.
Madueke dismissed the idea that winning the title has eased the pressure for the final. 'No. It's separate. Okay, the pressure of the Champions League is there, but pressure is with us all the time,' he said. '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.'
The winger, who joined from Chelsea for £52m, has won over fans after a difficult start. He also recalled seeing Arteta dance at the nightclub. 'It was good to see the fun side of the manager,' Madueke said. 'He’s a really good manager. He just helped me to really care about little details that count a lot towards winning.'
