Football Presse

Doue thanks God and promises more as PSG celebrate back-to-back glory

·By Junior Yekini
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Désiré Doué converted his penalty in the shootout and told reporters afterwards that composure under that kind of pressure is simply part of the job — before adding a more personal acknowledgment of what the moment meant to him.

Speaking to TNT Sports in Budapest after Paris Saint-Germain retained the Champions League title against Arsenal, the 20-year-old French forward was visible in his emotion and specific in his gratitude.

"We are so, so proud, so happy and grateful," Doué said. "It was a tough game against a good team. We have to enjoy this as a team, as a family, because we deserve it. I thank my Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ because that was my prayer."

On the penalty, he was brief. "It's a part of my job. You have to stay calm."

When asked what the achievement means for PSG's long-term trajectory, Doué struck a note of deliberate modesty. "I don't know — you have to tell. We have to stay humble and we will work again. We want more. We are a young, hungry team. We will go again."

Ukrainian defender Illya Zabarnyi, also speaking to TNT Sports, expressed pride in both the club and his country. "It's amazing. An unbelievable club. I want to thank everyone. We work hard and we deserve it."

On the Ukrainian flag he wore around his shoulders during the celebrations, Zabarnyi was direct. "I'm a proud Ukrainian. We are strong people. Our people are strong. We don't give up."

Zabarnyi also praised the man at the centre of the project. "Unbelievable. Enrique is a magic man. We fight for him, he fights for us."

PSG's squad has an average age of 24, making back-to-back Champions League titles a statement about depth and development as much as individual brilliance.