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      Why are Arsenal and PSG players wearing black armbands during their Champions League semi-final?

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      ARSENAL are taking on Paris Saint-Germain in a massive Champions League semi-final at the Emirates.The huge game sees Mikel Arteta’s side face the recently-crowned Ligue 1 champions in the first leg of a mouth-watering clash between two of Europe’s best sides.Arsenal’s Jurrien Timber seen wearing a black armband during the Champions League semi-final against PSGCredit: GettyBut it was a nightmare start for the Gunners as Ousmane Dembele scored inside the first four minutes to give PSG a vita opening goal.Dembele picked up the ball inside his own half and drove forward before passing out left to Kvicha Kvarataskhelia.The Georgian superstar then went at Jurrien Timber and cut back for Dembele – who rifled a bouncing shot past Arsenal keeper David Raya and into the far corner off the post.Read more Arsenal vs PSGIt was the Frenchman’s 30th goal of the season.Mikel Merino then had a goal ruled out for offside at the start of the second half.It came just moments after the Emirates stood in silence, while players from both sets of teams were also seen wearing black armbands.Why are Arsenal and PSG players wearing black armbands?Both sets of players are wearing black armbands in honour of the late Pope Francis.Most read in Champions LeagueThe packed Emirates fell silent pre-match as everyone in the stadium remembered the pontiff.Pope Francis died aged 88 on April 21 after he had been hospitalised for a lengthy spell earlier this year.He had been suffering from bronchitis and double pneumonia.Uefa announced they would hold a minute’s silence, although their official statement did not confirm the players would be wearing armbands.A statement read: “Uefa will hold a moment of silence in memory of His Holiness the Pope Francis before the kick-off of this week’s Youth League and Women’s Champions League semi-finals as well as its men’s club competition semis taking place 29 April-1 May.”Uefa president Aleksander Ceferin said: “Pope Francis was a beacon of hope for all humanity in these times of war and hardship. “A humanity that will now remain orphaned of that voice – tireless and powerful – that always rose in defence of the poor, the humble, and the vulnerable to call for respect, acceptance, and equality and to implore a peace that always seemed distant, yet ever more longed for by the heart of the world.” More

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      Declan Rice’s disgusted reaction spotted as Arsenal concede vs PSG minutes after his eight-word warning to team-mates

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      ARSENAL star Declan Rice was far from impressed after his pre-match rallying call was not heeded by his team-mates.The Gunners fell behind just four minutes into their massive Champions League semi-final with Paris Saint-Germain and it proved to be the only goal of the game.A fuming Declan Rice was not impressed as Arsenal conceded after just 4 minutes against PSGCredit: Prime The Arsenal star could be seen shaking his head in disgustCredit: PrimeThe goal came just minutes after Rice had issued a message to his teammatesCredit: GettyThe 26-year-old had an eight-word warning for his troopsCredit: PrimeGunners boss Mikel Arteta had issued a battle cry before the contest for a febrile atmosphere at the Emirates.But fans were silenced minutes into the match as Ousmane Dembele smashed PSG into the lead.The French forward was left unmarked just inside the box to fire past Arsenal keeper David Raya and in off the post.It came just minutes after England star Rice had given his team-mates a vital warning.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLSpeaking in a pre-match huddle on the Emirates pitch, he was heard saying: “If we don’t have the ball, we die.”As Dembele ran off to celebrate his opener, Rice’s reaction was shown on Amazon Prime cameras.The 26-year-old was seen shaking his head in apparent disgust. Prior to kick-off Rice – who scored two freekicks in a brilliant 3-0 win over Real Madrid earlier this month – was talked up by team-mate Raya.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKThe keeper claimed the former West Ham star is among the “best three midfielders in the world”.Raya said: “He’s got to be top three [midfielders] in the worldPSG fans take over streets ahead of Arsenal clash as they march through London for Champions League semi-final”He can do everything from playing as a No6 to an No8, defending or attacking.”And of course, he can take free kicks now!“He’s better this season than he was last year.”He’s still young but he’s definitely made the step to become a top player and a leader.” More

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      Arsenal refusing to show huge PSG Champions League semi-final clash on Emirates concourses for very clever reason

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      ARSENAL came up with an ingeniously simple way of keeping fans in their seats for the visit of PSG.The Gunners lost 1-0 to the French giants in their first leg of their Champions League semi-final tie.Arsenal fans are being encouraged to stay in their seats throughout the match against PSGCredit: APThe Gunners hope to drown out the noise of the travelling PSG fansCredit: GettyMikel Arteta issued a rallying call to fans before the game to make the Emirates a fortress.And even concourse staff are getting in on the act for the big game in North London. TV’s showing the match are usually available for punters while they wait for a drink or collect food.But the screens were not showing the game live on Tuesday night.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLArsenal wanted everyone in their seats for the duration of the 90 minutes in a bid to create a once-in-a-lifetime atmosphere.Highlights were shown at half time as the Gunners aim for a first Champions League final in 19 years.Arteta opted to drop makeshift striker Mikel Merino into midfield in a huge call to his starting lineup. Declan Rice filled the void of the suspended Thomas Partey, with Leandro Trossard preferred to lead the line. Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKIt came after Arteta demanded Gunners’ fans turn up the decibel level and drown out PSG’s travelling Ultras.The Spaniard said: “We are making history. PSG fans take over streets ahead of Arsenal clash as they march through London for Champions League semi-final”It’s a beautiful story right now, but we want much more.”I told [the supporters], and I’m not exaggerating here, when I said: ‘Guys, bring your boots, bring your shorts, bring your T-shirts, and let’s play every ball together. “We want to do something special.”[The Emirates] has to be something that we haven’t seen before.”Earlier in the day, both sets of supporters took to the streets outside the Emirates for fan marches. Thousands of PSG fans descended on Trafalgar Square, setting off flares as they marched through the capital. More

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      PSG fans take over Trafalgar Square ahead of Arsenal clash as they march through London for Champions League semi-final

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      PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN fans took over Trafalgar Square ahead of their Champions League clash against Arsenal.French supporters marched through the streets of London before making their base at the famous central landmark.PSG fans took over Tralfagar Square ahead of their Champions League clash at ArsenalCredit: AlamySupporters marched down the street as they sang songs and banged drumsCredit: AFPThey also set off flares in dramatic scenesCredit: TwitterThe group put on a show of strength ahead of the clashCredit: AFPTrafalgar Square was draped in France and PSG flagsCredit: AlamyFans also lit flares when inside the EmiratesCredit: ReutersThere was a party atmosphere for the visitorsCredit: APThey put on a show in north LondonCredit: ReutersFans first set off flares and chanted songs as they brought the capital to a standstill.The large group banged on drums and clapped to their heart’s content to create a brilliant atmosphere.Thousands then gathered at Trafalgar Square to soak up the sun and raise morale ahead of a tense night at the Emirates.PSG fans were praised by many football supporters on social media for their show of strength before facing Arsenal.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLOne user said: “Best supporters in the world.”Another declared: “This is Paris.”One noted: “Let’s gooo.”Another added: “You have one job tonight.”Most read in Champions LeagueBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSPSG have already dumped two English sides of Europe this season.They KO’d newly-crowned Premier League champions Liverpool in the last 16.How Arsenal can outsmart PSG in Champions League semi-finalThe group enjoyed the weather as they marched onwards to the EmiratesCredit: AlamyIt was a glorious day in the capital for the visitorsCredit: AlamyThey were in good spirits on their way to the groundCredit: AlamyCentral London came to a standstillCredit: AlamyFans from both sides showed good sportsmanshipCredit: EPAAnd Luis Enrique’s men then dismissed Aston Villa in the quarters.They also defeated Man City 4-2 in the group stages to make it a hat-trick of wins.But PSG did suffer one loss to an English side, with Arsenal beating them 2-0 in October.The Gunners are flying high after smashing Real Madrid 5-1 on aggregate in the quarters.Yet Thomas Partey’s suspension has meant a reshuffle with Mikel Merino moving from attack into midfield. More

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      Arsenal vs PSG live stream FREE: How to watch huge Champions League semi-final first leg without paying a penny

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      THEY say the best things in life are for free – and fans will be able to watch Arsenal’s mammoth Champions League semi-final first leg against PSG without paying a single penny!After such a promising start to the season, the Gunners were forced to sit back and watch Liverpool get crowned Premier League champions on Sunday.Arsenal convincingly knocked holders Real Madrid out of the competitionCredit: GettyThe Gunners have already beaten PSG earlier this seasonCredit: GettyARSENAL VS PSG LIVEAnd having suffered early exits from the Carabao Cup and FA Cup, it means that Arsenal’s only chance of securing silverware this season rests on the one trophy that eludes them – the Champions League.However, confidence is brewing around North London that they can do the unthinkable, especially after dumping 15-time winners and current holders Real Madrid out of the competition.Two Declan Rice stunning free-kicks in the first leg and a Bukayo Saka chipped effort fired Mikel Arteta’s men to a 5-1 aggregate win over Los Blancos in the quarter-finals.Read more on Arsenal vs PSGAnother confidence booster to help Mikel Arteta’s men overcome this high French semi-final hurdle is that they have beaten PSG earlier on in the campaign.But that was a PSG side without in-form striker Ousmane Dembele, and January super signing Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.This is set up to be a sensational semi-final and SunSport can reveal how fans can watch the first leg free of charge.How can I watch Arsenal vs PSG Champions League semi-final first leg for FREE?Arsenal vs PSG’s Champions League semi-final first leg is available to watch for FREE on Amazon Prime Video.Most read in Champions LeagueNon-members can sign up for a 30-day free trial giving you all the benefits of Prime including this mammoth match.This season, Amazon Prime has acquired part of the rights to show the Champions League and their top pick this week is Arsenal vs PSG.Prime members can watch the action from the Emirates at NO additional cost to their regular subscription.When is Arsenal vs PSG?The Champions League semi-final between Arsenal and PSG will take place on Tuesday, April 29.It is scheduled to kick-off at 8pm BST.Emirates will play host for this huge encounter and it can host approximately 60,000 fans.Arsenal beat PSG 2-0 when the sides faced off in the group stages of this year’s Champions League campaign. More

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      Arsenal handed good omen for crunch Champions League semi-final clash with PSG

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      ARSENAL have a positive omen going into this evening’s huge match against Paris Saint-Germain.The Gunners host PSG in the first leg of the Champions League semi-finals at the Emirates Stadium.Arsenal have received a boost for their Champions League clash with PSGCredit: GettySlavko Vincic, who officiated their 2-0 win over PSG in October, will referee the matchCredit: GettyThey previously hosted the Ligue 1 champions in the group stage six months ago.Goals from Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka saw Arsenal win 2-0 at home.Mikel Arteta will now be hoping for a similar result tonight.And the Spaniard has received what many superstitious fans may consider a good omen in the build-up.READ MORE ON ARSENALSlavko Vincic – the man who officiated the last match between Arsenal and PSG back in October – will be the referee tonight.The Slovenian did not have much to do last time out at the Emirates, only handing out yellow cards to Riccardo Calafiori and Fabian Ruiz.PSG have massively improved since then, with the likes of Ousmane Dembele, Bradley Barcola, Desire Doue and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia all on top form.However, the Gunners have reason to be confident following their 5-1 aggregate win over reigning champions Real Madrid in the quarter-finals.Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Arsenal Files every Friday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from The EmiratesArteta has urged Arsenal fans to create a “special” atmosphere for the match.He said: “I tell them [the supporters], and I’m not exaggerating here: ‘Guys, bring your boots, bring your shorts, bring your T-shirts and let’s play every ball together.’I already mentioned that twice’ – Mikel Arteta takes issue with reporter’s question as Arsenal title hopes all but end”We want to do something special. The place has to be something special, something that we haven’t seen.”I really hope that everybody that comes to the Emirates and is watching and following us, brings that energy with them.” More

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      Arsenal vs PSG LIVE SCORE: Champions League semi-final updates as Gunners host French giants in first leg – stream FREE

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      ARSENAL play their biggest game of the season TONIGHT as they host PSG in the first leg of a scintillating Champions League semi-final tie!Any chance of the Gunners securing silverware this campaign rests on the one trophy that eludes them after seeing Liverpool secure the Premier League title on Sunday.And Mikel Arteta’s men will be confident they can do it after convincingly seeing off 15-time winners Real Madrid in the quarter-finals.However, they face a sensational PSG side who have already been crowned French champions, beat Aston Villa in the final eight, and have a devastating trio up top, which now includes January super signing Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.Kick-off time: 8pm BSTFREE live stream: Amazon Prime VideoArsenal starting XI: To followPSG starting XI: To followBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKFollow ALL the action from The Emirates with our live blog below…Gunners’ good omenArsenal have a positive omen going into this evening’s huge match against Paris Saint-Germain.The Gunners host PSG in the first leg of the Champions League semi-finals at the Emirates Stadium.They previously hosted the Ligue 1 champions in the group stage six months ago.Goals from Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka saw Arsenal win 2-0 at home.Mikel Arteta will now be hoping for a similar result tonight.And the Spaniard has received what many superstitious fans may consider a good omen in the build-up.Slavko Vincic – the man who officiated the last match between Arsenal and PSG back in October – will be the referee tonight.Copy linkCopiedReminderAll players who were previously on a suspension tightrope during the quarter-finals are now not after all existing yellow cards are wiped after the last-8 stage.Declan Rice, Jurrien Timber and Gabriel Martinelli all survived suspension by avoiding a booking during the second leg of their tie with Real Madrid.Thomas Partey did receive his third booking of the Champions League campaign against Los Blancos, meaning he will miss tonight’s first leg against PSG.Copy linkCopiedArteta: ‘One of the biggest games the Emirates has seen’The Arsenal boss spoke about the excitement around North London ahead of tonight’s blockbuster first leg, he said: “=”You sense the energy, the enthusiasm, that it’s something unique. “It’s probably one of the biggest games that the Emirates has seen since we built it. We are making history. It’s a beautiful story right now, but we want much more. “We have to have the feeling that we have to hold [the players] back tomorrow to go on that pitch and express themselves. It’s a moment now to say: ‘OK, this is who we are, this is who we are as a team, this is who I am as an individual and I’m going to put my very best in there to make it happen’. “Play with that mindset and let yourself go. Live the now, the present. This is where we are. We are so fortunate.”Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedTonight’s officialsReferee: Slavko VincicAssistants: Tomaz Klancnik, Andraz KovacicFourth official: Matej JugVAR: Alen BorosakAssistant VAR: Dennis HiglerCredit: RexCopy linkCopiedWhen Arsenal last faced PSGArsenal’s 2-0 twin against PSG was their first Champions League win of the season.Kai Havertz put the Gunners in front on 20 minutes, getting on the end of a superb cross from Leandro Trossard.Before Bukayo Saka doubled Arsenal’s lead after his wide free-kick avoided everyone in the box and flew straight past Gianluigi Donnarumma.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedDonn their homeworkItalian star Gianluigi Donnarumma is seen as one of the best keepers in the world — but Arsenal will target him writes SunSport’s Charlie WyettCharlie wrote: “The Paris Saint-Germain No 1, 26, broke England’s hearts at Euro 2020.He helped dump Liverpool out of the last 16 of this year’s Champions League and then frustrated Aston Villa in the quarter-finals.Donnarumma has now played over 400 senior games but there is concern over his inability to deal with corners and crosses.He can also be suspect with the ball at his feet.Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is certain to tell his players to fire crosses into the box and they will look to make the most of their set-pieces.Donnarumma’s shortcomings were exposed in the 2-0 loss at Arsenal in the group stages in October.The Gunners’ first goal saw a hesitant Donnarumma beaten as Kai Havertz anticipated a cross from Leandro Trossard and nodded in.Donnarumma was beaten again when Bukayo Saka’s low free-kick from the right went straight under him.The Italian’s view of the ball may have been obscured, but there seemed to be no talking between Donnarumma and his defenders.”Copy linkCopiedLast time out for the GunnersArsenal secured their spot in the Champions League semi-finals with a 5-1 aggregate win over Real MadridIn the first half, Thibaut Courtois denied Bukayo Saka from the penalty spot after a lengthy VAR check handed the Gunners a spot kick on 13 minutes.Real were given a penalty of their own minutes later for a Declan Rice foul on Kylian Mbappe, but the referee decided against his initial decision after going to the monitor, and Arsenal survived.Just after the hour mark, Saka opened the scoring on the night with a superb dinked finish, but the Gunners’ four-goal aggregate lead didn’t last long.A William Saliba howler gave Vinicius Jr an open goal – and the Brazilian made no mistake.In stoppage time, Gabriel Martinelli put the gloss on his side’s spectacular display with a stunning finish to give the North London giants a 2-1 win (agg 5-1) at the Bernabeu.Arsenal are now in their first Champions League semi-final since 2009.Credit: RexCopy linkCopiedGunner flySpeaking of Leandro Trossard, jet-setting snooker star Luca Brecel has thanked the Belgian for giving him advice on the top continental private plane firm to book.Brecel,30, is close pals with the Arsenal winger, also 30, and will be rooting for him tonight in the first leg of the Champions League semi-final against Paris Saint-Germain.On Saturday afternoon, the maverick potter took a private jet from Belgium to the UK on the day of his last 16 Crucible match with Ding Junhui.The 2023 world snooker champion set off from Maastricht in Holland and landed at East Midlands Airport at 3.17pm.From there he jumped in a car for the hour-long journey up to Sheffield but he was cutting it fine with the flying, especially if there had been an issue with weather or a no-land order by airport control officials.Brecel rented the aircraft for the 68-minute flight because he wanted to spend Friday night in his own bed in Maasmechelen.His arrival on English soil was only three-and-a-half hours before he faced Ding in the first session but it did not affect his display – he led 7-1 by the close of play.Copy linkCopiedHow Arsenal could lineup without ParteyWith Partey’s like-for-like replacement Jorginho also being injured, Mikel Arteta will more than likely drop Declan Rice in the six role and bring Mikel Merino back into the eight role.This would mean a start for Leandro Trossard up top who has been in hot goal-scoring form.Predicted starting XI: Raya; Timber, Saliba, Kiwior, Lewis-Skelly; Rice, Merino, Odegaard; Martinelli, Saka, TrossardCredit: ReutersCopy linkCopiedArteta’s selection headacheThomas Partey is OUT of the Champions League semi-final first leg tonight.The Arsenal star picked up a needless yellow card during the quarter-final second leg against Real Madrid.Partey, 31, was cautioned for his role in a clash with defender Antonio Rudiger.And he midfielder was berated for his stupidity by team-mate Declan Rice.The former West Ham captain was visibly angry with the Ghanaian as he could be seen lambasting him for his error.Now Arsenal boss Arteta will have to decide who will replace Partey in such a huge first leg.Copy linkCopiedAr you serious?PSG fans unfurled a banner aimed at Arsenal before losing their first Ligue 1 game of the season.The French giants were on course to match the Gunners’ invincible achievement this campaign.PSG have already wrapped up the Ligue 1 title with a massive 23-point advantage over second-placed Marseille.Ahead of Friday night’s clash against Nice at the Parc de Princes the club’s supporters had other things on their mind.Copy linkCopiedWelcome to SunSport’s coverage of Arsenal vs PSGIt’s sink or swim for Arsenal as they play the biggest game of their season TONIGHT in a mouthwatering Champions League semi-final first leg against PSG – and SunSport will be ALL over it.Any chance of the Gunners securing silverware this campaign rests on the one trophy that eludes them after seeing Liverpool secure the Premier League title on Sunday.And having suffered early exits from the Carabao Cup and FA Cup, it means that Arsenal’s only chance of securing silverware this season rests on the one trophy that eludes them – the Champions League.However, confidence is brewing around North London that they can do the unthinkable, especially after dumping 15-time winners and current holders Real Madrid out of the competition.Two Declan Rice stunning free-kicks in the first leg and a Bukayo Saka chipped effort fired Mikel Arteta’s men to a 5-1 aggregate win over Los Blancos in the quarter-finals.Another confidence booster to help Mikel Arteta’s men overcome this high French semi-final hurdle is that they have beaten PSG earlier on in the campaign.But that was a PSG side without in-form striker Ousmane Dembele, and January super signing Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.This has all the ingredients to be a super Champions League tie, so you don;t want to miss a thing.Copy linkCopied More

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      Why Gabriel Martinelli is crucial vs PSG in semi-final as Arsenal star continues his amazing goalscoring record

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      ASK Paris Saint-Germain stars which Arsenal player they most fear and they are unlikely to come up with the name Gabriel Martinelli.After knocking out 15-time winners Real Madrid, Mikel Arteta’s men host PSG in a blockbuster semi-final first leg tonight.Gabriel Martinelli smiles as he speaks to the mediaMartinelli was a key man for Arsenal in the win over Real MadridCredit: EPAMartinelli scored a memorable goal in the BernabeuCredit: GettyAnd if Martinelli gets on the scoresheet, history suggests the Gunners will have one foot in the final next month in Munich.The Brazilian winger has hardly been in scintillating form this season, with just nine goals — and only two in his last 15 games heading into a mammoth Champions League semi-final first-leg tie against PSG.But beneath that patchy form lies a remarkable record.In the club’s 139-year history, Martinelli has the record for most games scored in without being on the losing side.READ MORE ON ARSENALIn the 44 games he has found the net, across his six years in North London, the Gunners have NEVER been beaten.Fifty goals – the last in the 4-0 Premier League win at Ipswich earlier this month – with 37 wins and seven draws.It must be pointed out that in one of those draws – a 5-5 Anfield thriller in the Carabao Cup in October 2019 – Martinelli netted twice but Arsenal lost on penalties — a result that is conveniently not included in his incredible perfect run.Martinelli is happy for that to be the case too. Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Arsenal Files every Friday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from The EmiratesWhen reminded of the record, he gave a cheeky smile and said: “Yeah I’ve heard that.”So, how do you explain it? He shrugged: “It’s what we do, you know? We try to score and assist to help the team win games.”But, if I need to run 15 kilometres and win games when I’m not scoring goals and win the Champions League, I’m going to be the happiest man in the world.Gabriel Martinelli’s amazing run of not losing a game when he scoresMikel Arteta accidentally photobombs Sky Sports report as he takes Arsenal dog Win for a walk”It’s really good to have these stats next to me but I try to give my best as I can for the team with goals or just doing the work in defensive work as well.”You would not blame Martinelli for already dreaming of the Champions League final in Munich on May 31 if he does find the net at some point over the two legs of this semi.He laughed: “No, I don’t think that, I just try to play and win the game.”Whether it is from the footballing gods or a sprinkling of pixie dust that does the trick, what the statistic does show is Martinelli has become an essential and game-changing cog in Mikel Arteta’s machine that is now competing for major titles at home and abroad.It is important to remember that Martinelli is still just 23, having joined from Brazilian side Ituano in July 2019 for around £6million under ex-boss Unai Emery.Back then, he was a fresh-faced 18-year-old with a slight, child-like frame, but his talent was on show from the very beginning, netting ten times in his debut campaign.Martinelli has become a key player in Europe this seasonIt led to then-Kop boss Jurgen Klopp – following that 5-5 draw – describing the teenager as the “talent of the century”.Six years later and Martinelli is a senior figure of this side in everything but age, having come through the dark times of Arteta’s early reign.He survived mass squad upheavals to become an Emirates favourite and a reliable grafter as one of the club’s longest-serving players, even if his numbers – 17 goals in his last 89 appearances – are not exactly eye-catching.But when he does score, it always seems to matter, a prime example being his stunning solo goal – running from the halfway line – to beat Real Madrid in the quarter-final second-leg 2-1 victory at the Bernabeu.Martinelli reminded reporters “I’m not that old”, before explaining: “We have improved a lot. It’s been an amazing journey for me. I was just an 18-year-old boy.”When I got here we were playing in the Europa League, now we are in the semi-final of the Champions League.The past is irrelevant. We can learn things from that but live the now, the present. It’s a beautiful moment. Let’s live it and let’s enjoy it. We want to do something specialMikel Arteta”Since I started to play football, I had this dream to play in the Champions League and to be in a semi-final, it’s amazing.”It is the biggest game of my life. I’m really happy to be here and to have lived these moments. Everyone that loves football would love to be playing these kinds of games.”I’m really proud of the team, of the club, we deserve to be playing in this competition and win it. It’s a dream and we are ready.”This could also be a chance for Martinelli to cement himself into the thoughts of Arteta, with the club looking to strengthen his position on the left wing this off-season, while his contract is also up in the summer of 2027.Leading Arsenal to a Champions League final would confirm the ink on that contract. He said: “I have always said I am really happy here. This is my home – I love the club.”But we play for Arsenal, it’s a competition every day. The club wants to have the best players in the world, because it is one of the biggest in the world as well.Brazil star Martinelli put in a remarkable shift in the away leg against Real Madrid”We need to have the best players. I will be really happy when we have big players coming to the team.”Arsenal’s last European triumph came in the Cup Winners’ Cup in 1994 with George Graham – when they also beat the French champions at this stage.But their Champions League record is dire, reaching the final just once in 2006 under Arsene Wenger before losing 2-1 to Barcelona in Paris.Asked if he feels the weight of expectation to finally win the trophy, Arteta said: “You feel it. We have a lot of people that have worked here for many years and never been in this position.”That tells you how unique and beautiful it is. We’ve never done it so we need to earn the right to be in that final ? and everything is going to start against PSG.”I look at the players in the eyes and they can’t wait to play. That’s the feeling.”Arteta added: “The past is irrelevant. We can learn things from that but live the now, the present. It’s a beautiful moment.”Let’s live it and let’s enjoy it. We want to do something special.”The Emirates has to be something special, something that we haven’t seen before.”Asked if Arsenal were favourites with PSG, Inter Milan and Barca left, he added: “No, as we have never done it, so there is so much to do.”Thomas Partey is banned after a yellow card against Real at the Bernabeu, meaning makeshift striker Mikel Merino will be in midfield and Leandro Trossard likely up front.But Arteta can take positives from beating Luis Enrique’s PSG this term – winning 2-0 at the Emirates in the league phase back in October.Arteta added: “I loved our presence, how we went out there, our body language, the intensity, how aggressive we were.Read More on The SunBukayo Saka is Arsenal’s top scorer in the Champions League this season”It was good preparation for what is now coming.”The way we approached the game against Real and way we approached the game when we played them before, the way we approach every week … that won’t change.”Arsenal ratings v Real MadridARSENAL’S heroes dumped the Kings of Europe out of the Champions League in dramatic fashion. More