Nasser Al-Khelaïfi opens up on the title, Luis Enrique and tears | OneFootball

Crowned European champions for the second time in a row, Paris Saint-Germain have etched their name into football history thanks to this Champions League title won against Arsenal (1-1, 4-3 on penalties). Speaking to Bruno Salomon on Ici Paris, Nasser Al-Khelaïfi looked back on this success, of course mentioning Paris coach Luis Enrique, but also with great emotion.

Al-Khelaïfi: “We have the character, the personality to win.”

A first memory from the weekend?

It’s very, very special. In the league phase we lost against Bayern, we had to play against Newcastle, Tottenham, Bayern… At one point we were 2-0 down against Monaco. After that, it was Chelsea, Liverpool, Bayern and Arsenal. It’s magnificent.

Every match was very important, but I had confidence in the team. We were losing 1-0 against Arsenal, and even though I never say whether we’re going to win or lose at half-time, this time I said we were going to win. I was at training before the match. You could feel something special. We have the character, the personality to win.

Then the penalty shootout was very hard to go through. We had some of our best penalty takers on the bench.

Were you afraid?

No, I trust our players. But it was very special.

PSG in football legend?

For sure. It’s the 2nd team (in this format) to go back to back. We have a shirt with character. We can lose matches, but with courage and personality. We never give up.

Al-Khelaïfi: “I want to thank everyone, I’m proud of them.”

Are you proud of this character, something PSG hasn’t necessarily always had?

Luis Campos and Luis Enrique, with their staffs, and many people working for the club, have created something very special. It’s like a family. Everyone fights for everyone. We had players in the final who hadn’t played much, but came on with personality and character. I want to thank everyone, I’m proud of them.

What does it feel like to see that everyone seems to appreciate this PSG team?

It’s an honor for us, and I thank Mr. President. We were very proud to be at the Élysée Palace. We won in Budapest, we celebrated there, but here it was special. We have the best supporters in the world. They have always stood behind us. This trophy is for them too. There is this relationship with them, this trust. We give 100%, then there is the result.

Al-Khelaïfi: “They know how to celebrate intelligently, without destroying the city”

There were incidents in Paris, supporters are being singled out? Some say PSG is not doing enough?

As I’ve already said, we are against that. We’re not proud of it. The Parisian who supports PSG does not do that. They know how to celebrate intelligently, without destroying the city. We need to share and protect our city, as well as the image of the city and the club. All of this has to stop.

Let’s talk about the sporting side…

Before talking about the sporting side, I want to talk about you. When I hear your commentary, I get emotional. I love it, truly. The players too, the staff too. You are very special to us. So PSG thanks you for the best voice in the world.

Al-Khelaïfi: “It’s very special, honestly.”

A statue of Luis Enrique at the Parc des Princes? Could a contract extension happen through 2030?

The coach is very happy with us, and we are proud of him. He is the best coach in the world. We are very happy with him. You understand.

A word on the dancing and singing when you tried to speak at the Parc? What did you feel?

(tears in his eyes) It’s very special, honestly. You feel the players and the supporters behind you. We have only lost the Coupe de France in the last 2 years. It’s something very special. That celebration, with the supporters not letting me speak, was very special. It’s a special trophy.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇫🇷 here.