'I've been here once before and let the opportunity slip away' - Marquinhos eyeing place in PSG history books ahead of UEFA Champions League final
Published 30/05/2025 at 18:54 GMT+1
Paris Saint-Germain are aiming to win the UEFA Champions League for the first time in their history when they face Inter on Saturday night - live on TNT Sports and discovery+. Brazil international Marquinhos, who has been at the club since 2013, told TNT Sports he is motivated by the chance to make history, and by the pain from the defeat to Bayern Munich in the 2020 final.
‘Our names etched into history’ – Marquinhos on PSG's chase for first UCL crown
Video credit: TNT Sports
Marquinhos says Paris Saint-Germain's players are motivated by the chance to become history makers ahead of the UEFA Champions League final.
PSG will face Inter in Munich on Saturday - live on TNT Sports and discovery+ - hoping to win the competition for the first time.
And long-serving defender Marquinhos highlighted the importance of not passing up the opportunity, having already experienced a Champions League final defeat to Bayern Munich in 2020.
"I think it's very difficult to get to a final," he told TNT Sports. "Everyone has seen the difficulties we've had this season and the journey we've been on. That's why we need to cherish the moment of getting to a final.
"I've been here once before, albeit under different circumstances, and let the opportunity slip away. Now it's the second time I really want to seize this opportunity and win this trophy, to have something to show for the beautiful journey we've been on and all the incredible emotions we've experienced this season and over the years.
"I'm going to give everything I have on the pitch so we can finish on a high by winning this title."
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PSG achieving their 'dream' due to 'different mentality', says Luis Enrique
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PSG won a fourth successive Ligue 1 title this season, but the Champions League has so far proved elusive for the big-spending, Qatari-owned club.
"I believe winning a title is what truly etches your name in history," Marquinhos added. "That's how you make your mark in the club's record books. For the club too, it becomes part of its history and legacy. Winning that first title is always special for a club, regardless of the competition.
"For us, it's a huge motivation going into this final as we look to achieve this aim because the players who win that first trophy will be forever etched into the history of the club."
Marquinhos credited the work done by manager Luis Enrique, who oversaw the departures of Kylian Mbappe, Neymar and Lionel Messi before creating a cohesive and functional team.
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"I think a lot of it started with the arrival of the coach, Luis Enrique," Marquinhos said. "He has really instilled the DNA he wanted for the team, a collective identity and a real commitment to working hard on the pitch.
"Everyone works hard, the attackers defend, defenders get forward and everyone contributes. Everyone plays, everyone has an important role on the pitch.
"It took time. When he arrived there were a lot of things that needed to change, especially in terms of attitude on the pitch.
"He showed us areas where we needed to improve. He's taken it step by step, fixing one thing, once it was right, moving onto the next. He turned the tide and today we've grown a lot because of that."
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