Joao Neves criticised Arsenal’s tactics after PSG won the Champions League final on penalties.
PSG successfully retained their Champions League trophy with a penalty shootout win over new Premier League champions Arsenal.
Mikel Arteta’s side clinched their first league title last week and were hoping to lift the Champions League for the first time.
But Arsenal’s quest for European glory ended in a heartbreaking defeat as PSG confirmed their status as the best team in world football.
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The final could hardly have started any better for Arsenal, who were ahead inside seven minutes thanks to Kai Havertz’s brilliant strike.
But PSG were on top for large periods and finally got reward for their pressure after half-time as Ousmane Dembele scored from the spot after Cristhian Mosquera brought down Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.
Arsenal’s defence kept PSG at bay from then on to ensure the Champions League final went to extra-time and then penalties.
But PSG coped better with the immense pressure, with Eberechi Eze and Gabriel both missing the target as the Gunners slipped to a painful defeat.
Neves said he is ‘loving’ being part of this successful PSG side after lifting his second Champions League trophy but also took a swipe at Arsenal, saying one one team were ‘willing to play’ in the final in Budapest.
‘We deserve it today, because PSG were the only team willing to play,’ the Portuguese midfielder told French outlet M6.
‘It’s not even the victory in itself that pleases me, but playing with such teammates, this staff, and this management. I love everything here.
‘I’m very happy for the group, for everything we’ve done this season. It was even more difficult because we had to defend our title.
‘There was a lot of fatigue but when you play in the final, you have to forget everything and give it your all.’
PSG boss Luis Enrique was more complimentary of Arsenal, although he insisted his team ‘deserved’ to lift the trophy.
‘We deserved that,’ he said. ‘It was very tough and difficult but we deserved it.
‘Congratulations to Arsenal, it was very tough. They played great. It’s normal. They try to take the match into phases they are strong. We tried to control the ball and press and we have won the title.’
PSG owner Al-Khelaifi added: ‘Today is an amazing history day. Last year, back to back, it’s not easy, the Champions League is difficult.
‘So proud of the team, of the coach of the staff of the fans. Everybody doubted us again but thank god we made it and we believed.
‘Luis [Enrique] is very, very special, as a coach, human being, as a person, he is fantastic. He’s the best coach in the world.
‘He has done amazing with the team. With a young team, you know the story. I would also like to thank the players of PSG this is also for them. They all gave to this project.’
Arsenal will hold a trophy parade in north London on Sunday, celebrating their first Premier League title in 22 years.
The Gunners pipped Manchester City to a long-awaited title, with Arteta becoming the first Arsenal manager since Arsene Wenger to lift the Premier League trophy.
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