President William Ruto expressed optimism on Friday, May 2, 2025, that Arsenal would pull a comeback and disappoint Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), eventually making it into the UEFA Champions League final.

Speaking at State House in Nairobi, where he received the Champions League trophy, Ruto, an avid supporter of the Gunners, indicated that Mikel Arteta’s charges had all it takes to overturn the one-nil defeat at the Parc des Princes for them to stand any chance of progressing into the final.

Arsenal lost to PSG at the Emirates following a well-worked-out goal from Ousmane Dembele in the game’s early minutes.

With benediction and belief, Ruto noted that him being the last person to handle the trophy during the world tour would inspire the Gunners ahead of the second leg on Wednesday, May 7, 2025.

Arsenal will face either Barcelona or Inter Milan if they overcome a one-nil deficit during their visit to Parc des Princes.

“As has been said, I am a supporter of Arsenal, and I hope they overturn the one-nil loss to PSG this week when they meet in Paris next Wednesday and advance to the finals to hopefully lift this trophy for the first time in the club’s history,” he stated.

“I think since I am the last one holding it, I am praying for my team so that this year they lift this trophy at the final,” he added.

Enjoy the game

Nonetheless, Ruto challenged football enthusiasts across the world to enjoy the games no matter which teams they are supporting.

He specifically pointed out that Kenyans were following up Champions League closely and were keen to see who emerges with the last laugh during the finals slated to be played in Munich.

“Many Kenyans are following with very keen interest the ongoing UEFA Champions League semi-finals, where four teams, Arsenal of England battling PSG of France and Barcelona of Spain facing Inter Milan of Italy. They are competing for a place in the finals later this month in Munich, Germany.

“Whichever team you are rooting for, let us enjoy the game,” Ruto affirmed.

Challenges FKF leadership

At the same time, Ruto challenged the Football Kenya Federation to put their best foot forward and transform the sport. He made it clear that all eyes were fixated on Hussein Mohamed’s team to see how they would deliver to the country.

With an uphill task ahead, Ruto declared his readiness to support the new leadership to fully transform football in the country.