Former Chelsea midfielder Mikel Obi has joined the growing chorus of reactions following Arsenal’s heartbreaking UEFA Champions League final defeat to Paris Saint-Germain, delivering a series of brutal remarks aimed at the Gunners and their supporters.
Arsenal’s dream of winning a first-ever Champions League title ended in Budapest after PSG prevailed in a dramatic penalty shootout following a 1-1 draw after extra time.
The defeat means Arsenal have now lost both Champions League finals in their history, having previously fallen 2-1 to Barcelona in 2006.
The result also sparked immediate reactions across England, with Chelsea among the first clubs to poke fun at their London rivals.
Minutes after PSG secured victory, Chelsea posted an image promoting stadium tours at Stamford Bridge with the club’s Champions League trophies prominently displayed.
Chelsea on Instagram.
The message served as a reminder that Chelsea remain the only London club to have lifted Europe’s most prestigious trophy, having won the competition in 2012 and 2021.
Speaking after Arsenal’s defeat, Mikel Obi fully embraced the rivalry and backed Chelsea’s social media post.
” Amazing post. I mean, this trophy here, oh wow, amazing trophy,” Mikel said when shown Chelsea’s post.
“Arsenal cannot touch this trophy, they cannot touch it. We are the team.”
Chelsea legend Mikel Obi. ObiOne Podcast.
When asked whether Chelsea should apologise for mocking Arsenal after such a painful defeat, the former Super Eagles captain was emphatic.
“Never, never say sorry to Arsenal.”
Mikel doubles down on Arsenal criticism
The former midfielder went even further, insisting Chelsea still hold the upper hand over Arsenal despite the Gunners recently ending their 22-year wait for a Premier League title.
“And we are the only team in London that has won the Champions League,” Mikel added.
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While acknowledging Arsenal’s return to the biggest stage in European football, he could not resist another swipe at Mikel Arteta’s side.
“But it’s amazing to see Arsenal again do what they do best. They always find a way to make sure they bottle it, and they did yesterday.”
Arsenal may have enjoyed the better domestic season after winning the Premier League and finishing ahead of Chelsea, but the Blues still possess a distinction their rivals continue to chase.
Chelsea remain the only club from London to have won the Champions League and have lifted the trophy twice.
Chelsea European Trophies cabinet.
That achievement has long been a source of pride among Chelsea supporters and a frequent point of banter directed towards Arsenal fans, particularly during European campaigns.
The rivalry was reignited after Chelsea’s social media team quickly capitalized on Arsenal’s latest disappointment by promoting tours of Stamford Bridge with the Champions League trophy taking center stage.
The club later softened its stance by congratulating Arsenal on their Premier League triumph and impressive European run, joking that they probably “deserved another red card” for the earlier post.
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Despite that follow-up message, Mikel made it clear where his loyalties lie.
“I absolutely do not like Arsenal, and the Arsenal fans, they are the worst fans,” he said.
“Delusional, they’re delusional.
“But we Chelsea, we are the best. Our team, we’re going to be back next season Chelsea. We’ve had a poor season, but next season we’re going to be back.”
