Dembélé Confirms Full Fitness Ahead of Champions League Final Against Arsenal

Paris Saint-Germain winger and Ballon d'Or winner Ousmane Dembélé addressed the media on Friday at the "Puskás Aréna," delivering encouraging news to PSG supporters ahead of Saturday's Champions League final against Arsenal.

Dembélé alleviated concerns that had arisen following his injury during PSG's recent Ligue 1 match against Paris FC on May 17. He stated, "I am not afraid of missing out; I am 100% ready for the final. I stopped immediately when I felt pain in my calf to avoid risking further injury, and now I feel I am in the best physical and mental condition."

French Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez announced that approximately 22,000 police officers will be deployed across France to secure the Champions League final between Paris Saint-Germain and Arsenal in Budapest on Saturday.

Regarding his opponent, Dembélé expressed high regard for Arsenal, acknowledging their deserved place in the final after winning the English Premier League title. He commented, "Arsenal is an excellent and exceptional team. They have a coach who has been working on a clear project for five years, and what they have achieved in the Premier League and the Champions League proves their merit."

On PSG's ambitions, he added, "We are the title holders, but our hunger to win remains unchanged. We want to make history again and secure the trophy for the second consecutive year."

Reflecting on winning the Ballon d'Or, Dembélé remarked, "In my opinion, it has not changed anything. It hasn't altered my playing style or my personality. Perhaps the responsibility on me is greater, but that is natural and something I have carried since joining Paris. Nothing has changed; I am still eager to achieve more titles for this club."

Over more than a decade, Paris Saint-Germain's pursuit of European glory has repeatedly ended each spring in familiar disappointment, with major ambitions turning into recurring failures in knockout stages.

Discussing the impact of coach Luis Enrique on his successful career, Dembélé said, "He has helped me a lot, teaching me many tactics and advice. I try to apply all his instructions on the pitch. Also, I play alongside amazing players, which makes my life easier."

In related news, reports on Friday indicated that Arsenal is pursuing the signing of Argentine international and Atlético Madrid star Julián Álvarez, with a transfer fee reportedly around £104 million to bring him to the Emirates Stadium.