Premier League success not enough to satisfy Arsenal’s Noni Madueke | OneFootball

Noni Madueke says Arsenal are fully focused on making history by winning the Champions League for the first time after already ending their long wait for the Premier League title.

Madueke scored in Arsenal’s 2-1 win at Crystal Palace on the final day of the season as Mikel Arteta’s side celebrated being crowned champions before turning their attention to Saturday’s Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain, in Budapest.

The winger has also capped an impressive first season at Arsenal by earning selection in England’s World Cup squad this summer after overcoming criticism following his move from Chelsea last year.

But Madueke insisted winning the Premier League has not reduced the pressure surrounding Arsenal’s biggest European game in almost 20 years.

“No,” he said. “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. So we’re looking forward to it.”

Madueke admitted the chance to deliver Arsenal’s first ever Champions League trophy would mean everything to the squad and supporters.

“Man, that would be amazing,” he said.

“Champions League is so big. 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 would be amazing.

“And yeah, to then celebrate it with all the Arsenal fans would be the cherry on top.”

The 24-year-old north Londoner has become an important part of Arteta’s squad this season despite fierce competition for places alongside Bukayo Saka on the right wing.

Madueke believes competing with Saka at both club and international level has helped drive him on.

“Yeah, it’s been different for sure,” he said. “But yeah, Bukayo is a top player.

“We kind of fight on all fronts. Same for England. Same for Arsenal. But yeah, no, it’s been good. We know that we’re pulling in the same direction.”

Madueke added: “Definitely for sure. I know I want to be here. I know he wants to be here, so it looks like that’s going to be our gig for the foreseeable.”

The Arsenal winger also praised Arteta for improving his game since arriving from Chelsea.

“He’s just helped me to be diligent,” Madueke said.

“He’s helped me to really care about really little details that count a lot towards winning games and fighting for major trophies.”

Arsenal’s supporters have played a huge role in the club’s successful campaign and Madueke admitted the atmosphere around recent games had helped drive the players on during the title run-in.

“The support was great,” he said.

“Last few weeks, last couple of home games. Flares and all of them banging on the buses definitely gave us that little push that we needed, that little edge.

“Thank God we’ve got over the line.”

Despite criticism directed at Arsenal during parts of the season, Madueke said the squad ignored outside noise as they secured the title.

“At the end of the day, all that stuff is irrelevant,” he said.

“I don’t think we worry about that stuff too much. We’ve got to handle that. Got to handle things on the pitch.”

Madueke was also heavily involved in Arsenal’s title celebrations after Manchester City dropped points earlier in the week, revealing he helped host the players’ party.

“Yeah, I was hosting,” he smiled. “I don’t know what the logistics are.”

Now, though, the focus is entirely on PSG and the chance to complete a remarkable double.

For Madueke and Arsenal, one trophy has already changed the mood around the club. Another would change the club’s history forever.