ARSENAL legends Patrick Vieira and Thierry Henry have lifted Mikel Arteta’s stars as they bid to conquer Europe.
The Gunners are aiming to win the Champions League for the first time as they take on Paris Saint-Germain in tonight’s final.
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Patrick Vieira is an Arsenal legend and captained the ‘Invincibles’ Credit: Getty
Thierry Henry was also a part of the Arsenal side that lost the 2005 Champions League final Credit: Getty
Arsenal, boosted by right-back Jurrien Timber being declared fit, last reached the final 20 years ago – but lost to Barcelona.
Henry was captain that night and has contacted Bukayo Saka, while Invincibles skipper Vieira sent Martin Odegaard a video message.
Arteta has urged his side to take the trophy away from holders PSG in Budapest and Odegaard is motivated by succeeding where previous Arsenal sides failed.
Asked about the message from Vieira, the Gunners skipper said: “It was special.
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“He is a proper club legend for everything he’s done. I’ve seen videos and clips, and I’ve heard stories.
“He was such a special leader, that was here at the club. To get a message from him is special.
“Now we have the chance to do something that they haven’t done as well. It’s something nice to play for. We’re just looking forward to the game now. We can’t wait to play.
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Arsenal are preparing for the Champions League final in Budapest Credit: Alamy
Gunners legend Henry was at the Puskas Arena last night for Arsenal’s open training session and has a strong bond with Saka.
The pair became close following the final of Euro 2020, when Henry reached out to Saka after he missed a penalty in England’s defeat to Italy.
They have stayed in touch ever since and Henry offers words of advice whenever it is required.
Saka last night said: “He messaged me earlier to be fair. He told me he’d see me outside.
“It’s been a consistent theme, he’s been there in the good and bad moments – and I’ve got a lot of love for him and I appreciate him a lot.”
Arteta has not been in touch with Arsene Wenger, who managed Arsenal for their last Champions League final in 2006.
But the Spaniard has been in contact with former players as the Gunners look to land a historic Double after lifting the Prem last week.
Arteta said: “I spoke to a lot of ex-players that are in this position as well, and everybody is rooting for us.
“It’s an opportunity as a club to write something new that we’ve never done. So, that’s what we want to do.
“PSG are defending the trophy, so they were the last ones that had the right to lift that trophy, and they are actually the champions, and we are here to take that away from them.”
Arsenal have a near fully-fit squad for the final. Ben White is out with a knee injury, but fellow right-back Timber is ready to start and play for the first time in two months.
