Former Manchester United striker, Wayne Rooney, has questioned Arsenal’s reaction after their Champions League semi-final second-leg win at the Emirates, saying the celebrations went too far despite their place in the final.
The first leg in Spain had ended 1-1, leaving the tie finely balanced heading into the return fixture. Arsenal eventually came through the second leg to book their place in the final, with celebrations following the final whistle inside the stadium.
With the result, Arsenal now await the winner of the other semi-final clash between Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain, whose second leg is scheduled for Wednesday. The winner will face them in the final later this month.
At full-time, players remained on the pitch as supporters celebrated the achievement. The scenes continued for several minutes as Arsenal marked their qualification for the final.
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However, Rooney felt the reaction was excessive given the job is not yet complete.
Speaking to Prime Video, Rooney said, “They haven’t won it yet.
“I believe the celebrations are a bit too intense. Celebrate when you win… but no, they have earned it.”
Arsenal’s progress also puts them in line to become one of a small group of English clubs to win the Champions League alongside domestic success in the same season, a feat previously achieved by Liverpool, Manchester United and Manchester City.
Rooney, who was part of Manchester United’s 2007-08 team that completed that double, maintained that focus should remain on the final.
“They deserve to be in this position but they haven’t won it yet,” Rooney said on Amazon Prime.
“I think the celebrations are a little bit too much. Celebrate when you win.”
Former Arsenal striker Ian Wright offered a different view, encouraging supporters to enjoy the moment.
“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.”
Former manager Arsene Wenger also reflected on the scenes, saying they were expected but should be followed by a focus on the final.
Speaking on beIN Sports, Wenger said: “They celebrated well tonight, which is normal. But you want to focus more on the final and the next game.
“The celebration is deserved and happiness is absolutely normal, but now the next step is, of course, to go to the final and win it.”
