Mikel Arsenal defeat verdict sparks debate as the former Chelsea midfielder backs a social media dig following Arsenal’s final loss

Former Chelsea and Nigeria midfielder John Obi Mikel has delivered a scathing assessment of Arsenal following the club’s Champions League final defeat to Paris Saint-Germain on penalties, backing Chelsea’s social media taunt and insisting the Gunners remain far behind their London rivals in European success.

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Mikel made the remarks after Chelsea’s official Instagram account posted a photograph of the Champions League trophy at Stamford Bridge with the caption, “Come and visit London’s home of trophies,” a post widely interpreted as a dig at Arsenal after the club’s latest European disappointment.

Reacting to the post, Mikel praised Chelsea’s message and pointed to the club’s record in Europe’s premier competition.

“Amazing post. This trophy, wow, amazing trophy. Arsenal cannot touch this trophy. They cannot touch it. We are the team,” he said.

The former midfielder was equally uncompromising when asked whether Chelsea supporters should show sympathy towards Arsenal following the painful defeat.

“Never say sorry to Arsenal. We are the only team in London that have won the Champions League. It is amazing to see Arsenal do what they do best. They always find a way to bottle it, and they did,” Mikel said.

The outspoken comments are likely to intensify one of English football’s fiercest rivalries, particularly after Arsenal came within touching distance of securing the one major trophy that has eluded the club in the modern era.

Mikel also criticised sections of Arsenal’s support and expressed confidence that Chelsea would bounce back strongly next season.

“Arsenal fans are the worst fans, delusional. But Chelsea, we are the best. We have had a poor season, but next season we are going to be back,” he added.

The remarks carry added weight because of Mikel’s own achievements in European football.

The former Nigeria international spent 11 years at Chelsea and won nine major honours during a highly successful spell at Stamford Bridge. The highlight came in 2012 when he played the full 120 minutes as Chelsea defeated Bayern Munich to win the UEFA Champions League for the first time in the club’s history.

Mikel was also instrumental during Chelsea’s dramatic semi-final victory over Barcelona that season and later added the UEFA Europa League title in 2013.

By the time he left Chelsea in 2017, the midfielder had collected two Premier League titles, four FA Cups, two League Cups, the Champions League and the Europa League.

Arsenal’s latest setback came after the club returned to the Champions League final for the first time since 2006. The North London side missed two penalties in the decisive shootout as PSG secured victory and extended Arsenal’s wait for European football’s biggest prize.

Despite the disappointment, Arsenal remain one of England’s most successful clubs and have previously won European silverware, including the European Cup Winners’ Cup in 1994 and the Inter-Cities Fairs Cup in 1970.

Also read: Paul Scholes Predicts Arsenal Will Fail to Retain Premier League Title

For now, however, Mikel’s brutal verdict is likely to resonate among Chelsea supporters celebrating their club’s unique place in London’s Champions League history.