Truth behind claim Alex Ferguson called Arsenal ‘boring’ in message to PSG president after Champions League victory

Sir Alex Ferguson messaged Paris Saint-Germain president Nasser Al-Khelaifi after the Champions League final.

However, the legendary former Manchester United manager did not call Arsenal ‘boring’ despite reports.

Getty

PSG clinched victory on penalties at the Puskas Arena in Budapest on Saturday night.

Gabriel’s missed spot-kick secured a second successive Champions League triumph for the French giants.

The Brazilian subsequently released a statement on Sunday prior to the club’s trophy parade.

Fans lined the streets of north London to celebrate their Premier League title victory this season.

Arsenal had taken a first-half lead through Kai Havertz before Ousmane Dembele equalised from the penalty spot.

But misses from Gabriel and Eberechi Eze saw the Gunners miss out on being crowned European champions for the first time.

What did Ferguson actually say?

Reports in France then claimed that Ferguson had called Arsenal ‘boring’ after their performance in the final.

talkSPORT understands that he did congratulate Al-Khelaifi in a message following the final whistle.

However, the 84-year-old did not make the remark he had been alleged to have made.

Instead, the message included the phrase: “You were the team that played football.”

Getty

Arsenal had just 25 per cent possession across 120 minutes, with the match going to extra-time and penalties.

Meanwhile, Havertz’s goal was their only shot on target as they mustered just seven attempts on goal in total.

Ferguson won the Champions League twice during his managerial career.

The Scot guided United to glory in both 1999 and 2008, with the former part of an historic treble.

Meanwhile, PSG are now only the second club in the Champions League era to win the competition in successive seasons.

Real Madrid also achieved the feat between 2016 and 2018, winning three times in a row.

Getty

Another victory next season would see PSG do the same after their first two wins.

Arsenal’s wait for Champions League glory continues, though, after losing their first final for 20 years.