Arsenal are gearing up to face Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League semi-final; their first Champions League semi-final since 2009.
The Gunners’ faithful are cautiously optimistic about their team’s chances of winning their maiden European title this season.
Mikel Arteta has instilled a different mentality to this team as the Spaniard aims to scale the heights of the footballing pyramid with the North London outfit.
However, amid all the excitement, former Arsenal goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny has made the headlines for a shocking response to the Gunners’ title claim.
Currently playing for Barcelona, the Polish shot-stopper highlighted the suffering and frustration that an Arsenal fan goes through whilst admitting that he doesn’t want Arteta’s men to lift the Champions League trophy.
“I support them, but I hope Arsenal don’t win the Champions League this season,” Szczesny said.
“Being an Arsenal fan is constant suffering, but the suffering I love. I’m one of those crazy fans. I watch every match and Arteta’s press conferences,” he added.
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Arsenal may face Barcelona in the Champions League final
Arsenal are facing PSG in the semi-final over two legs. The Gunners will host the Parisians first on April 30 at the Emirates Stadium before visiting the Parc des Princes on May 8.
Szczesny: “I support them, but I hope Arsenal don’t win the Champions League this season.” pic.twitter.com/5ilDejP31y
— Barça Universal (@BarcaUniversal) April 25, 2025
Meanwhile, Szczesny will be playing for Barcelona in the other semi-final, where they will lock horns with Inter Milan. The Blaugrana will host the Nerazzurri on May 1 at the Camp Nou. A week later, they will visit the San Siro in the second leg.
So if both teams manage to win their respective semi-finals, the Polish goalkeeper may face off his former Arsenal teammates.
Overall, Barcelona have a great head-to-head record against Arsenal in their nine meetings in the Champions League. Barca have won six matches while Arsenal have tasted victory only once.
Interestingly, the only time Arsenal reached the Champions League final in 2006, they lost 2-1 to Barcelona.
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