Heartbroken Arsenal players departed their team hotel in Budapest on Sunday morning, visibly dejected after losing the Champions League final to Paris Saint-Germain on penalties. Mikel Arteta's side suffered a 1-1 draw after extra time before Gabriel Magalhaes missed the decisive spot-kick, crushing their hopes of winning Europe's elite club competition for the first time.
The dejection was evident as the Gunners boarded the team bus back to Budapest Airport. Captain Martin Odegaard led the way, followed by Gabriel, David Raya, Martin Zubimendi, and Mikel Merino, all with somber expressions. Declan Rice, covering his face with a baseball cap, appeared the most upset, while Piero Hincapie kept his head down. Eberechi Eze, who missed Arsenal's second penalty in the shootout, attempted to appear upbeat alongside Jurrien Timber. Manager Mikel Arteta was spotted carrying his suitcase onto the coach as the team sought to move on from a bruising night at the Puskas Arena.
Opportunity for Celebration
The players have a chance to lift their spirits later today during an open-top bus parade celebrating their Premier League title victory, scheduled for 2pm. The parade will follow a roughly five-mile loop through Islington, covering Highbury, Canonbury, and Upper Street before returning to the Emirates Stadium. The women's team will also join the parade to celebrate their FIFA Women's Champions Cup triumph, having beaten Corinthians at the Emirates in February.
While shifting from heartbreak to celebration may be challenging, Arsenal supporters have already gathered in large numbers across north London to welcome their heroes. Thousands waited in the early hours to secure the best spots. Arteta is expected to address the fans at the parade, having spoken after the defeat about his gratitude for their support throughout the season.
"To the people, I already know how the team feels about them," the Spaniard said. "We are very grateful for the support they have given us throughout the season, in times of difficulty. It has been a real joy to win a league after 22 years. It hurts a lot for them not to win the Champions League, because I can't even imagine what would have happened. We all had a huge desire to win it, and tomorrow will be a beautiful day for sure."
Despite the Champions League final disappointment, the Arsenal squad will aim to celebrate their Premier League success with the fans, marking a historic season for the club.
