'You have to give your life...' - Mikel Arteta delivers impactful Pep talk ahead of semifinals clash

The Gunners are on the verge of qualifying for their second UEFA Champions League finals. They are set to go toe-to-toe against Paris Saint-Germain in the second leg of the UCL semifinals on May 8th. 

Arsenal currently trail the Ligue One Champions 1-0 after suffering a close defeat in the first leg at the Emirates. Club manager Mikel Arteta voiced a much-needed pep talk ahead of the crucial second leg.

Arteta's Strict Words to his team

Arteta's Arsenal will travel to the Parc des Princes on Wednesday, aiming to overturn a 1-0 deficit from the first leg held in north London. While they welcome back Thomas Partey, the Gunners will be missing several key starters, including Gabriel, Kai Havertz, and Jorginho. Despite these challenges, Arteta remains optimistic about the team's chances.

"Excitement, goosebumps, wanting the day to arrive, [the feeling] of being very prepared, very convinced and knowing that the opportunity is to play in a Champions final. And when you get to that point, you have to give your life for it." He said.

"Look, when I was going through the tunnel, I see [Takehiro] Tomiyasu out, [Riccardo] Calafiori out, Gabriel Magalhaes out, Kai Havertz out, Gabriel Jesus out, Thomas Partey out, Jorginho out. Starters!" He added.

"And I see the team compete and I get goosebumps. Because we have a lot of merit, and yet the game was by very, very, very small margins that weren't on our side that day. That's why I'm very optimistic." Arteta concluded.

The Gunners' manager has expressed confidence in the quality of his team, but he has emphasised to his players that they must commit themselves fully if they aspire to reach their first Champions League final since 2006. 

Despite being plagued by injuries, the Gunners have showcased their resilience on the pitch. Arsenal are set to miss a bunch of starters, including Tomiyasu, Calafiori, Gabriel Magalhães, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus, Thomas Partey and Jorginho.

As the time ticks and comes the matchday, Arsenal will be looking to fuel up all their ambitions and channel them towards achieving what has escaped them for all these years.