Saliba’s long road to the top ends with Premier League glory but Arsenal defender wants more | OneFootball

William Saliba admits Arsenal’s Premier League triumph has made all the struggles of his early years at the club worthwhile as he prepares for the biggest game of his career in the Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain.

The France defender has become one of the best centre-backs in world football after a remarkable rise under Mikel Arteta, forming the foundation of Arsenal’s title-winning side and helping guide them to their first Champions League final in 22 years.

Yet Saliba’s path to the top has been anything but straightforward.

Signed by Arsenal from Saint-Etienne in 2019 as one of Europe’s brightest young defenders, Saliba spent several years out on loan in France and admitted there were moments where life in north London was far from easy. 

“It has been a long journey, up and down, but now I am so happy,” Saliba reflected.

“I was not always happy when I was on loan and not playing but it is part of the process.

“I kept working hard and I believed I could make it, and for four years I have started for Arsenal and I finished the season with a Premier League, and we have something even bigger next week.” 

That “something bigger” is next Saturday’s Champions League final against PSG, where Saliba will come up against several of his France team-mates in a tie he admits carries extra significance.

“It’s always special because it’s a final and we’re playing against a French club that beat us last season,” he said.

“So, it’s going to be special and I hope we’re going to win.” 

Saliba has been central to Arsenal’s transformation from nearly-men into champions. After finishing second for three consecutive seasons, Arteta’s side finally got over the line this year, and the 24-year-old says the squad never lost belief despite repeated disappointment.

“Now we are champions,” he said.

“Last season we finished second but even when we finished second, we had the good mentality the season after to keep going and it finally paid off.

“We didn’t give up, we deserve that title, and we will come back again next season to try and win as well.” 

Saliba revealed he truly believed Arsenal would win the title after a hard-fought victory over Everton in March.

“The game against Everton was a hard game, and we knew that we would not play in the Premier League until after the international break, so that win was so important,” he explained.

“It was a tough game, and afterwards, City dropped points against West Ham, so it was a good day for us.” 

Having finally ended Arsenal’s long wait for a league title, Saliba now wants to help deliver another historic first by bringing the Champions League trophy to the Emirates Stadium for the very first time.

“It would mean a lot,” he said.

“Now we have started with the Premier League, it is my first one, so I am happy. But I am not full. I want more.” 

Standing in Arsenal’s way is a PSG side Saliba knows well and openly respects.

“They have a great attack,” he said.

“We know if we want to win against them we have to be at our best because they are so, so good.” 

But the Arsenal defender insists his side will not fear the challenge.

“We have the best defence this season,” Saliba added.

“And when you are the best, you want to play the best.” 

Winning the Premier League has also given Arsenal renewed confidence heading into the final.

“When you win your championship, you have more confidence before you approach this final,” Saliba said.

“So, yeah, we’re positive.” 

For Saliba personally, the occasion also represents another step in his growing stature for club and country. The defender acknowledged his increasing responsibility with France ahead of next summer’s World Cup.

“My role has changed,” he said.

“The more I progress, the more responsibility I have to take.

“It’s a good time to show myself and bring everything I have.”