UCL: You Haven’t Won It Yet, Rooney Questions Arsenal Celebrations

Wayne Rooney has criticised Arsenal’s post-match celebrations following their Champions League semi-final triumph over Atletico Madrid, insisting the job is far from complete.

The Gunners advanced to the final with a 2-1 aggregate victory, thanks to Bukayo Saka’s decisive goal at the Emirates Stadium. The result sparked jubilant scenes, with players and fans celebrating long after the final whistle.

However, Rooney — who won the competition with Manchester United in 2008 — suggested the celebrations may have been premature.

Speaking after the match, he remarked that while the achievement was significant, true celebration should be reserved for lifting the trophy. He acknowledged that Arsenal had earned the moment but maintained that perspective is crucial at such a critical stage.

Rooney’s comments echo a broader sentiment among some observers who believe Arsenal must remain focused ahead of the final, where they will face either Paris Saint-Germain or Bayern Munich.

Despite the criticism, the celebrations reflected the magnitude of the achievement, with Arsenal reaching their first Champions League final in two decades.

The North London club will now look to channel that emotion into preparation as they aim to secure their first-ever European crown.