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Ousmane Dembélé declares full fitness ahead of Arsenal showdown: “I was never worried about missing the final”
Arjun Pillai | May 30, 2026 8:40 AM CST

As the countdown to the UEFA Champions League final enters its final 24 hours, Ousmane Dembélé was the first member of the Paris Saint-Germain squad to address the media in the pre-match press conference.

The French winger, who has battled injuries throughout the season — the latest being a calf problem — assured fans and journalists that he is completely fit and ready for the big game against Arsenal.

“I was never scared about missing the final. I had ten, fifteen days to prepare for it. We haven’t had much time off this season, so the coaching staff has done very well to manage it. I’m feeling 100% fit, and the rest of the squad is ready as well,” Dembélé stated confidently. Following the press briefing, the forward joined his teammates for the open training session at the Puskás Aréna on Friday evening.

Echoing his manager’s sentiments, Dembélé was quick to acknowledge the quality of the Premier League title holders. “Arsenal are a very good team, as we saw with their Premier League title win as well as in the league stage of this competition. They deserve it; they’re a very good team that plays well and is good in attack and defence. They’re also impressive when it comes to set pieces, everyone knows that,” he said.

The 2025 Ballon d’Or winner dismissed any notion that last year’s personal accolade had changed his mindset or approach to the game. “It hasn’t really changed the way I am or my style of play. I know that I have a lot more responsibilities since I’ve been at PSG, and I try to play well in both the big games and the smaller ones,” he explained.

“It hasn’t changed my desire and my hunger to win trophies with this club. That’s all I’m thinking about. I know that people talk a lot about individual trophies, but that comes later,” Dembélé concluded.

Reporting from the Puskás Aréna in Budapest, Raphaël Jucobin provided coverage of the French star’s remarks ahead of Saturday’s highly anticipated final.


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