Formula One driver Sir Lewis Hamilton has sent a public message of support to Arsenal ahead of the club's UEFA Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain.
The seven-time world champion, who now competes for Ferrari, appeared in a video posted to the Italian team's official channels on Friday, a day before the final. Hamilton addressed Mikel Arteta's players directly as they prepare to face PSG, the reigning European champions, in Saturday evening's match at Budapest's Puskás Aréna.
In the 67-second clip, Hamilton described himself as a lifelong Arsenal supporter. "This is to the team, Arsenal — my team. I'm so proud of you guys… As a fan since I was five years old, this is my favourite moment," he said.
He urged the squad to "keep pushing, keep believing in yourself," adding that he would be watching the final and telling the players to "go out, have fun. You're already the G.O.A.T.s". Speaking during media duties for the Canadian Grand Prix, Hamilton also said he would choose midfielder Martin Ødegaard for his pit-wall crew if given the choice.
The message comes as Arsenal return to the Champions League final for the first time since their 2006 defeat to Barcelona in Paris. The club won the Premier League this season for the first time since 2004, ending three consecutive years as runners-up.