Champions League Anthem Stirs Arsenal's Spirit

The atmosphere at Emirates Stadium took on a charged significance last month as Arsenal players emerged from the tunnel, marking the commencement of their Champions League journey.

The air was thick with anticipation, fans and players alike breathlessly awaiting the start of something momentous.

The first notes of an orchestral masterpiece cut through the tension, a melodious blend of violins cascading from the heavens, intertwined with the sonorous blast of trumpets and the profound resonance of a double bass. Voices swelled in a triumphant chorus, proclaiming "Die Meister / Die Besten / Les grandes équipes," culminating in a declaration known and felt deeply across the globe: "The Champions."

This wasn't just any anthem; it was the Champions League anthem, making its much-anticipated return to Arsenal's home ground, enriching the European matchdays with its powerful presence. For the young generation of Arsenal enthusiasts, the "Gooners," this was an inaugural encounter with the music's legendary impact. Its emotional resonance wasn't lost on the fresh faces on the field either.

Expressions were telling: Leandro Trossard smirked, Declan Rice's face broke into a grin, and Bukayo Saka harnessed a newfound focus. This anthem wasn't just a melody; it was a rite of passage, a summons to ascend to the zenith of club football, and an affirmation of their innate talent.

Midfield maestro Jorginho, no stranger to the intense pressures and high stakes of the Champions League, found himself reflecting on his journey. One might assume that time and familiarity would dull the anthem's impact on him, but he confesses the opposite. The anthem, for Jorginho, is as much an emotional touchstone now as it was during his debut with Napoli in 2014.

“It’s iconic, it’s so remarkable. It was stuck in our heads when we were kids so you just kind of go back to your childhood when you listen to it,” Jorginho shared with a smile in an interview with arsenal.com.

Reminiscing about his youth in Brazil, Jorginho recalled being glued to the television, watching titans like Barcelona, Milan, and indeed, Arsenal, take to the field, the Champions League anthem providing a stirring soundtrack to the unfolding drama. “It’s a competition the whole world stops to watch, so to be here now, we are living our dreams,” he reflected.

His observations were particularly poignant as he discussed the palpable excitement surrounding the PSV game. “I could see a lot of excitement for the PSV game and I could feel the emotional side of it as well. They were excited to hear the music, and even in training when we trained for the first time with the Champions League ball. They couldn’t wait any more,” Jorginho recounted, his own enthusiasm unmistakable.

The Champions League isn't just another tournament for Jorginho; it's etched into his very skin. Celebrating his monumental win with Chelsea in 2021, he bears a tattoo of the trophy on his right tricep, a permanent reminder of the actualization of his dreams, punctuated by Kai Havertz's decisive goal.

Jorginho won the Champions League with Chelsea in 2021

“When you hold that trophy, so, so many things are going through your head,” he mused. “It’s impossible to explain, it’s just an amazing feeling."

Drawing from his rich experience, Jorginho assessed the ingredients necessary for a team to triumph on such a grand stage. Despite the youthful nature of Arsenal's squad, he recognized a kinship with the spirit that propelled Chelsea to victory.

“For sure you need togetherness, as well as passion and belief in each other,” he affirmed. “With the group that we have, the energy that we have around the group, the team and the staff are all together. Togetherness is something that is really important for every team. That’s when something special can happen."

Jorginho's philosophy is clear: relish every match, pour every ounce of dedication into the game, and let the outcomes reveal themselves. But above all, he emphasizes the unique joy and privilege of participating in such iconic moments.

And as for the prospect of Arsenal clinching the Champions League title? Jorginho playfully entertains the thought of another commemorative tattoo: “Maybe I can add the dates!” he laughs.