Martin Odegaard has issued a defiant warning to Paris Saint-Germain ahead of Saturday's Champions League final, insisting Arsenal approach the game with no fear. The Gunners captain revealed he received a special video message from club legend Patrick Vieira on the eve of the match, designed to inspire the current squad to achieve what even the Invincibles could not – winning the European Cup.
Odegaard said: "Yeah, of course, it was special. He is a proper club legend for everything he's done. I've seen videos and clips, and I've heard stories. He was such a special leader that was here at the club. To get a message from him is special. Now we have the chance to do something that they haven't done as well."
The Arsenal captain emphasized that winning the Premier League, widely regarded as the toughest league in the world, has boosted the team's belief that they can overcome the French giants. PSG, managed by Luis Enrique, enter the final as favourites after defeating Inter Milan in last year's showpiece, but Odegaard is confident in Arsenal's qualities.
"We know the quality we have in the team. I think we've shown that for a very long period of time. Obviously, coming from winning the Premier League, which is probably the toughest league to win in the world, gives us a lot of confidence," Odegaard stated. "We know what we are and what we can do. Obviously, we're playing a good team with a lot of qualities, but we have full belief in ourselves, what we can do, the football we can play and the results we can get."
Reflecting on Arsenal's title triumph, Odegaard said: "It felt amazing to win the title. I think all we have been through to get to that moment makes it feel so good. And to do it with this group is just unbelievable. It was such a beautiful day and it is going to be there forever for all of us. So, it was a special feeling and we, of course, take the energy from that. The mood and vibes going into this game is great, another final. It is good vibes and we are ready to go again."
Odegaard also praised striker Viktor Gyokeres, who has been instrumental this season despite uncertainty over his starting place. "He's been brilliant since he came in. I think he's been unbelievable for us. He scores a lot of goals, big goals. Not just the goals, but the way he plays, the attention he takes on the pitch leaves a lot of space for the rest of us. He's someone who gives absolutely everything every single game. He works so hard and is so determined to get in front of the goal and to make the difference. He's a special player and it is great to have him."
The Arsenal captain highlighted the collective spirit within the squad: "There are so many leaders in this team and we really help each other. I think that's been key to our success, that we have more and more people taking responsibility."
