Joao Neves is aiming to end Arsenal’s pursuit of their first Champions League title as Paris Saint-Germain prepares to face the English club in the final scheduled for May 30 in Budapest. The 21-year-old midfielder has played a pivotal role in PSG’s campaign this season, which has brought the French side to the cusp of European glory.

Neves, who joined PSG two years ago from Benfica for a reported £60 million, is seeking to add a third major trophy to his growing list of achievements, having already secured two Ligue 1 titles with the club. Reflecting on his rapid ascent, the midfielder expressed surprise at how quickly he has reached the Champions League final stage at a young age.

“I didn’t expect it to be so fast but I like it this way and I will try to always be like this,” Neves said. “It’s very good at my age because many players from long careers can’t reach the Champions League finals I have.”

Beyond club success, Neves is focused on helping Portugal in the upcoming World Cup in North America, which begins next month. The national team is widely regarded as one of the tournament favourites, and much attention will be on Cristiano Ronaldo, who at 41 is seeking to win the World Cup for the first time in his illustrious career.

“Cristiano Ronaldo is an example as a player. We will try to win for him, for us and for our country,” Neves stated. “There is still one game to play before the World Cup and we have to do it.”

Portugal’s recent form has fueled optimism after a previous tournament where expectations were low. Neves highlighted the shift in perception surrounding the team ahead of the World Cup: “Last year no one believed in us but this year everyone thinks we will win.”

Balancing commitments between PSG and the national team, Neves affirmed his and the club’s commitment to pursuing victory in the Champions League: “We promise to give everything for the club, that’s what we say — and by doing that we are closer to the victory.”