FOOTBALL – Paris St Germain forward Ousmane Dembele promised fans gathered at the foot of the Eiffel Tower yesterday that the club would chase a third consecutive Champions League title next season, as supporters celebrated the city’s back-to-back European triumphs.
PSG beat Arsenal on penalties to defend their European crown on Saturday after the game ended 1-1 following extra time.
“Thanks to all of you for your support. We’ll be back next year with the third one,” Dembele addressed the crowd as they danced to Daft Punk’s ‘One More Time’, while the players showed off the trophy.
The mood was relaxed after light showers gave way to sunshine, in contrast to the overnight post-game violence across the capital.
Qatari club president Nasser Al Khelaifi urged fans to keep up the positive atmosphere.
“Celebrate calmly tonight. Protect our city, that’s very important,” he said.
PSG players took to the Champs de Mars, a giant open field beneath the Eiffel Tower, before an official visit to President Emmanuel Macron in the Elysee Palace.
Fan Mathias Oumraou told Reuters he had to be at the parade after what he called the best night of his life in Paris. Another supporter, Cheyenne Barbachou, said she could hardly believe the back-to-back win. “It’s incredible,” she said.
Meanwhile, PSG’s Khvicha Kvaratskhelia was named the Champions League Player of the Season by Uefa yesterday after the Georgian winger guided the French club to back-to-back titles.
Kvaratskhelia scored 10 goals and grabbed six assists in the competition this season while he won the decisive penalty in the second half of the final that drew PSG level.
The 25-year-old was also named in the team of the season along with four of his team mates – Ousmane Dembele, Marquinhos, Nuno Mendes and Vitinha, who was named player of the match in the final.
Arsenal trio David Raya, Gabriel and Declan Rice were also named in the team of the season.
Real Madrid’s Arda Guler was named the Revelation of the Season while team mate Federico Valverde won the goal of the season award for his flick and volley to complete his hat-trick when they beat Manchester City in the last 16.
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