Ian Wright has urged Arsenal fans to fully celebrate reaching the Champions League final, despite criticism from pundit Wayne Rooney. Mikel Arteta's side secured their place in the final in Budapest on 30 May with a 2-1 aggregate victory over Atletico Madrid. Bukayo Saka's first-half tap-in in Tuesday's semi-final second leg was enough to propel the Gunners to the final after a 1-1 draw in the first leg, putting them a step closer to a first Champions League title and strengthening their position in the Premier League title race.
Wild Celebrations at the Emirates
Saka's goal at the Emirates Stadium sparked wild celebrations, with fans flooding the pitch at full-time to celebrate with the players. This led to criticism from Rooney, who said on Amazon Prime: "They deserve to be in this position but they haven't won it yet. I think the celebrations are a little bit too much. Celebrate when you win."
Former Arsenal star Wright was quick to respond, posting a video to social media in which he said: "Arsenal fans, let me tell you something: enjoy this. The celebration police will be out in force, do not get nicked! Enjoy yourselves, football's about moments and this is a big moment. Enjoy it and let's hope that in the final and after the final we have another massive moment. It's a great day!"
Declan Rice Encourages Celebrations
Midfielder Declan Rice also encouraged celebrations, telling Amazon Prime after the win: "I don't think you can underestimate what we have done in this competition up to this point. We have every right to celebrate that moment. The most prestigious competition in club football. We are just trying to soak it all in. We knew coming into the game what was at stake. If you can't get up for that, then you can't get up for any game of football. When we went 1-0 up, I knew we were going to win. I could feel something special building."
Arteta Praises Atmosphere
The atmosphere at the Emirates has occasionally come under criticism in recent seasons for failing to replicate the kind of vocal support enjoyed at other home grounds. But a superb atmosphere was created from before kick-off on Tuesday night as supporters greeted the team bus with flares and chants, the first time that has happened. Arteta paid tribute to that warm reception afterwards, saying: "It was an incredible night. We made history again together and I cannot be happier and prouder for everybody that's involved in this football club. The manner that we were received outside the stadium was special and unique. The atmosphere, our support has created the energy, the way they managed every ball with us... I never felt that in the stadium before. We knew how much it meant to everybody... the boys did an incredible job and after 20 years and a second time in our history, we are back in the Champions League final."
