Former Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Claude Makélélé interviewed with Le Parisien. The 47-year-old discussed his final experience in a UEFA Champions League and who he thinks will lift the trophy between his former club and Bayern Munich.
Makélélé won the Champions League during the 2001-02 season when Real Madrid defeated Bayer Leverkusen. The France international would reach another final in 2008 with Chelsea FC. However, on this occasion, Makélélé would find himself on the losing end as The Blues fell to Manchester United FC.
As a result, he has a perspective on what it’s like to win and lose a Champions League final. Makélélé first states that he’s happy for his former club, but states that the players on the PSG squad need a performance of a lifetime. He adds that no one remembers the runner-ups.
“It makes me happy. I was at the base of the project, so there is plenty. It’s a big step. They have finally reached the last square,” Makélélé said. “Now, this type of performance has to be anchored in people’s minds: it will become normal to be there. You just have to make the final sprint a reality, that’s all.”
“A final is always 50-50. After that, it’s the details that will make the difference between whoever really wants it or not. We don’t care who played well, who dominated, who had possession. We will only remember whoever lifted the cup, not the rest. You just have to earn it, that’s all.”
Finally, Makélélé gives a prediction, and it comes as no surprise that he’s leaning with his former club to win their first Champions League trophy.
“But I am French! And as I told you, I was at the base of the project, so of course, I am for Paris. It wouldn’t be normal not to be affected by the current route? Obviously,” Makélélé said. “And then I have friends there. Nasser is someone I really appreciate. And the Sheikh too. I had the chance to meet him to share a lot of things with him. He is someone who has invested a lot in the club. So they deserve this.”
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