Former Arsenal and Barcelona defender Thomas Vermaelen has offered a candid take on the upcoming Champions League final, revealing a heart pulled in two directions. In an interview with Belgian outlet DH Les Sports, the retired Belgian international made clear that his old loyalties remain with Arsenal, the club where he spent five formative years from 2009 to 2014. Yet his admiration for Paris Saint-Germain under his former coach Luis Enrique is equally palpable, setting the stage for a conflicted but respectful view of the showpiece event.
Vermaelen's connection to Arsenal runs deep. He arrived from Ajax as a highly rated central defender and quickly became a fan favorite, eventually captaining the side. Over 150 appearances, he experienced the highs of FA Cup triumph in 2014—his final season in north London—and the lows of narrowly missing out on Premier League glory during an era of transition. His enduring bond with the Gunners was evident when he spoke about still being warmly received at the Emirates Stadium. "Evidently I will support Arsenal in the final," he affirmed, underscoring the emotional pull of a club that gave him his platform in English football. That loyalty has been reinforced by Arsenal's recent return to the domestic summit, ending a 22-year league drought—a feat Vermaelen never accomplished but watched with pride. "I am truly happy because it was a very long wait to win the title again. I know how difficult it is to conquer the Premier League," he reflected.
Yet his appreciation for PSG is so profound that he nearly sounds like a convert. Vermaelen admitted that for a long time he disliked the Parisian project, viewing it as a club that simply "bought the best players without a genuine idea behind it." That perception changed with Luis Enrique's arrival. The Spanish coach has reshaped PSG into a dynamic, youthful team—especially notable after the departure of Kylian Mbappé—and Vermaelen now finds himself drawn to their style. "Luis has managed to build a team at PSG, with very talented young players. I enjoy watching them play," he said, highlighting the tactical cohesion and collective identity that have replaced individual stardom. The transformation has been so complete that Vermaelen concedes the Parisians have "conquered" him, making the final a difficult emotional affair.
His high regard for Luis Enrique stems from a shared history at Barcelona. From 2014 to 2016, Vermaelen was part of a Blaugrana squad that swept the 2014-15 treble under the Asturian's guidance. Despite limited playing time due to injuries, the defender gained intimate knowledge of the coach's methods and character. "If you asked me who has been the best coach of my career, I would cite Luis Enrique among the greatest," Vermaelen declared. "He is a very honest and authentic manager. I am pleased that he is achieving something big at PSG." That authenticity, combined with a clear game model, has not only elevated PSG but also forced neutrals to reconsider the club's identity. For Vermaelen, the shift from a soulless spending machine to a project built on emerging talent and tactical rigor is a testament to Luis Enrique's vision.
The Belgian's assessment of Arsenal counterpart Mikel Arteta adds another layer of personal insight. The pair were teammates for three seasons at Arsenal, and Vermaelen recalled a player who exuded coaching potential. "Mikel was the type of guy everyone knew would become a coach, like Vincent Kompany," he noted. Arteta has turned that prediction into reality by forging a resilient, unified side that defends collectively and has recalibrated Arsenal's place among Europe's elite. Vermaelen praised the structure and solidarity Arteta has instilled, which were pivotal in securing the Premier League crown and pushing the Gunners to their first Champions League final since 2006.
The final itself emerges as a clash of narratives: the club Vermaelen loves against the team he has grown to admire, led by two managers he holds in high esteem. He tempered his optimism for Arsenal with a realistic acknowledgment of the challenge. "It will be tough for Arsenal, but in a final anything is possible," he said, echoing a sentiment of hope laced with respect for PSG's quality. The match symbolizes a broader shift in European football, where coaching philosophy often trumps raw spending power. Both Arteta and Luis Enrique have demonstrated an ability to maximize collective output, making the final a tactical chess match between two progressive minds.
Vermaelen's nuanced perspective offers a rare glimpse into the divided loyalties that can define a career. Having been shaped by both clubs and both managers, his comments transcend mere fan favoritism and delve into a genuine analysis of footballing evolution. He celebrates Arsenal's resurgence as a story of patience and identity, while acknowledging PSG's successful reboot under a coach he deeply respects. His journey—from Ajax to Arsenal, Barcelona, Roma, and finally Vissel Kobe—gives him a breadth of experience that informs every observation.
Ultimately, Vermaelen will be cheering for the Gunners, but his words suggest that whatever the result, the final represents a victory for thoughtful, system-based football. His testimony underscores how far both clubs have come under their respective leaders, and the mutual admiration between a player turned pundit and his former mentors adds a human touch to the pre-match buildup. Based on reporting from Marca.
