Kai Havertz: Arsenal striker reflects on 2021 final and eyes Champions League repeat
In the latest interview, Kai Havertz recalls scoring in the 2021 Champions League final and says playing in this season's showpiece would be ‘unreal’ after a difficult, injury-hit campaign.
Kai Havertz has revisited a defining moment of his career — scoring in the 2021 Champions League final — and told The Guardian that merely watching a final is special, but to play in one is 'unreal'. In the interview published on 28 May 2026, the Arsenal striker reflected on that Porto memory and spoke about his determination after what he described as being 'in a bad place' while injured this season.
Why it matters
Havertz's comments matter because they underline the personal and sporting stakes for a player who has previously delivered on Europe's biggest stage. For Arsenal and their supporters, a fit and motivated Havertz in the run-in to a Champions League final could be significant for matchday selection and the club's hopes of European success.
Looking back at Porto and the 2021 final
Havertz told The Guardian that the 2021 final remains a vivid memory and something he will 'never forget'. He said scoring in that game was beyond what he could have imagined as a child and that he draws on that feeling as motivation for future big matches.
Injury struggles and current mindset
The Guardian piece reports Havertz admitting he had been 'in a bad place' during an injury hit period this season. His comments frame the final as an external target and emotional reward as he works to return to his best form.
- Kai Havertz scored in the 2021 Champions League final and described the memory as unforgettable (source: The Guardian).
- He told The Guardian that 'to play' in a Champions League final is 'unreal' and watching it is 'very special' (source: The Guardian, 28 May 2026).
- Havertz said he had been 'in a bad place' while injured this season, implying the recovery and fitness are personally important (source: The Guardian).
What this means for Arsenal and Havertz
Havertz's remarks are primarily personal reflection rather than new team news. They signal a player motivated by past success and determined to overcome recent setbacks. Any implications for Arsenal's squad selection or tactics ahead of the Champions League final mentioned in the interview are not included in the supplied metadata and should be confirmed from the full article or club sources.
What happens next
Readers should consult the full Guardian interview for direct quotes and additional context. Confirm Havertz's fitness status and Arsenal team news through club communications and matchday reports before drawing conclusions about selection for the Champions League final.