Martin Odegaard fires bold warning to PSG stars as Arsenal bid to upset the odds

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Martin Odegaard insists Paris Saint Germain will not hold any fears for Arsenal after revealing he received a special message from Patrick Vieira.

Former Arsenal captain Vieira, one of the greatest players in the club’s history, sent Odegaard a good luck video message on the eve of the Champions League final. It was designed to inspire this generation to go on and win the European Cup which is not something even Vieira, the Invincibles and Co could manage during their glory years.

Arsenal captain Odegaard said: “Yeah, of course, it was special. 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.”

That was also the point for Odegaard because winning the title has given them even greater belief they can beat PSG to win the Champions League.

PSG boss Luis Enrique’s men blew Inter Milan in last year’s final and will start this time as favourites ahead of Arsenal. But Odegaard says that winning the Premier League - the toughest league in the world - will only strengthen their belief they can beat the French giants. Odegaard’s message was that people praise PSG but Arsenal have great qualities, too.

Odegaard said: “We know the quality we have in the team. I think we've shown that for a very long period of time. Obviously, coming from winning the Premier League, which is probably the toughest league to win in the world, gives us a lot of confidence.

“We know what we are and what we can do. Obviously, we're playing a good team with a lot of qualities, but we have full belief in ourselves, what we can do, the football we can play and the results we can get.

“That's our main focus, to be us and to focus on what we can do and what we can control. It's a big game, but we're ready for it, as I said. I fully believe in the team and everything we can do on the pitch.

“It felt amazing to win the title. I think all we have been through to get to that moment makes it feel so good. And to do it with this group is just unbelievable. It was such a beautiful day and it is going to be there forever for all of us.

“So, it was a special feeling and we, of course, take the energy from that. The mood and vibes going into this game is great, another final. It is good vibes and we are ready to go again.”

Odegaard also paid tribute to the whole squad collective, togetherness and was asked about Viktor Gyokeres and his contribution this season even though he is far from certain to start.

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Odegaard added: “He's been brilliant since he came in. I think he's been unbelievable for us. He scores a lot of goals, big goals. Not just the goals, but the way he plays, the attention he takes on the pitch leaves a lot of space for the rest of us.

“He's someone who gives absolutely everything every single game. He works so hard and is so determined to get in front of the goal and to make the difference. He's a special player and it is great to have him.

“A great first season for him and already a trophy in the first season is not bad. There are so many leaders in this team and we really help each other. I think that's been key to our success, that we have more and more people taking responsibility.”

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