Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney has named the team he believes will win the UEFA Champions League this season following Arsenal's semi-final triumph over Atletico Madrid.
Arsenal Reach First UCL Final in 20 Years
Arsenal defeated Atletico Madrid 2-1 on aggregate to reach their first Champions League final in two decades. Bukayo Saka scored the decisive goal in the second leg at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday, May 5, securing a 1-0 victory and a place in the final in Budapest. The Gunners will now face the winner of the other semi-final between Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich, who meet at the Allianz Arena later tonight.
Rooney's Bold Prediction
Wayne Rooney, a former England international and Manchester United icon, believes Arsenal deserves to lift the trophy this season. In a viral video on X, Rooney praised Mikel Arteta for transforming the club since taking over as manager six years ago. He said: "I've played a Champions League semi-final here before. The atmosphere that evening was nowhere near what it was like today. Mikel Arteta and the board deserve credit because things have changed. It is Arsenal's year, and they have shown that all season."
Arsenal Fans React
Arsenal supporters have responded enthusiastically to Rooney's prediction. One fan, @Moses1197668, said: "When Chelsea went to the Club World Cup, nobody saw them as champions. They went ahead and beat PSG 3-0 in the finals. Arsenal will you?" Another, @Xomifred, wrote: "Maybe it's the Everton connection, but Rooney really loves Arteta. Refreshing to see considering the many idiots in media." @agb21506 added: "He's had this belief in Arteta's Arsenal team from the go, more than most of our ex-footballers. It's time to clinch the double, Gunners."
More Fan Reactions
@ahmeddanish23, a Manchester United fan, commented: "I'm a United fan, real talk Arsenal deserve the UCL and EPL this season. I'm tired of Chelsea fans bragging about their UCL when they talk to Arsenal fans." @IsaacRakchard said: "Rooney is low-key a gunner for speaking fair facts, and you're highly invited to the parade when we win."
Arsenal's victory over Atletico Madrid also set a unique Champions League record, as noted by Legit.ng. UEFA has appointed Daniel Siebert to officiate the semi-final second leg, and Arsenal have won all three matches previously officiated by Siebert in European competitions.
