Arsenal’s goalkeeper David Raya said the Premier League victory is a huge boost for the team ahead of the Champions League final against Paris Saint Germain. The Gunners were able to end 22-year-old wait of winning the Premier League title after Manchester City played a 1-1 draw against AFC Bournemouth last week.
Now, Mikel Arteta’s team next target is to win their maiden European title and put the missing trophy in their cabinet. However, Arsenal will have their work cut against a potent PSG team.
“It was essential; it’s been the goal ever since I arrived here, and even before that,” Raya told Diario AS. “This club exists to compete and challenge for the top honours, and the Premier League was one of them.
“We’ve achieved it, and now it’s going to give us a huge boost as we head into the Champions League final.”
Raya received the Premier League Golden Glove award for a third successive season after 19 clean sheets for the London club and thus the Spaniard has played a key role in Arsenal’s success.
“Personally, I think I’m in a really, really good phase,” the Spain international said. “It’s not just down to me personally; I think the clean sheets we’ve managed are down to the whole team. I’m absolutely delighted to have achieved this record of three consecutive ‘Golden Gloves’ — something not many goalkeepers have managed.
“So, I’m absolutely delighted and confident in the work we’ve done as a team. There have been many matches in which we’ve conceded hardly any chances, and that’s helped us win the championship, which was the main thing.”
Raya showered praise on Mikel Arteta for getting the best out of his players.
“I think he’s done an incredible job,” Raya said. “The way he took over the club when it wasn’t at its best, and how he’s brought it back to life and to the top — especially by winning the Premier League, which we all wanted so much, both us players and the fans — just goes to show the quality he possesses and the sort of person he is.
“He never gives up, and that’s a message he’s always instilled in us.”
The Champions League final will be played on Saturday.
