STORY YOUMISSED
Arsenal coach Mikel Arteta has revealed that he is targeting more Champions League history ahead of the first-leg of their semi-final clash against PSG on Tuesday.
The Gunners who are playing in their first Champions League semi-final since 2009 will battle it out with in-form PSG at the Emirates Stadium.
Arsenal have never won the prestigious trophy, their closest was losing to Barcelona in 2006, they also lost 4-1 to Manchester United in the semi-final in 2009.
Arteta admitted that he can feel the weight of story but he is aiming for more as the club seeks to end their age-long drought.
He said: “You feel [the weight of history],” said Arteta on the eve of the semi-final first leg.
“Especially because we have a lot of people who have worked at this club for many, many years and they’ve never been in this position. That tells you how unique and beautiful this is.
“We are making history. It’s a beautiful story right now – but we want much more.”
The Gunners have battled with injuries to key players this season with the likes of Kai Havertz, Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard and Ben White missing at some point in the season.
Arteta’s men have won just once in their last four matches in the Premier League, but they have won six of their last eight league-phase games in the Champions League.
Arteta added: “The fact that we are here as one of the four best teams in Europe, it tells about the mindset, spirit and how much we really want it.
The Spanish manager has urged the supporters to stand behind the team in the encounter on Tuesday.
Arteta said: “I’m not exaggerating. Guys, bring your boots, your shorts and T-shirt and let’s play every ball together.
“You want to do something special? That place has to be something special. Something we haven’t seen.”
Arsenal’s duo of Mikel Merino, and Ben White returned to training on Monday and they are expected to feature in the match.
