Kai Havertz says his goal in the Champions League final is his favourite for Arsenal, despite the defeat by Paris Saint-Germain, while admitting he “can’t wear short sleeves anymore” because of a superstition.
The Germany international discussed his best goals, his friendship with Ben White and his growing relationship with Gyokeres during the latest “Ask Me Anything” session published on Arsenal’s official website.
Havertz scored in the Community Shield against Manchester City and also found the net against Coventry and Chelsea. Captain Ødegaard scored in all three matches too, leaving the pair as Arsenal’s joint top scorers this season.
The forward has carried his scoring form over from the end of last season. He scored in his final two appearances, including the decisive goal that secured the league title, before opening the scoring in the Champions League final two weeks later.
Although Arsenal ultimately lost that match, Havertz said the goal remains the standout moment of his time at the club.
“The Champions League finaleven though we lost the gameis a goal I’ll never forget. I scored with my first shot in the 6th minute, putting us ahead of Paris Saint-Germain,” he said.
“The emotion after that goal, the feeling during the celebration, I got goosebumps. It was truly incredible. In that moment, I felt happier than I’d ever been on a football pitch in my life, so I think that goal is my favourite.
“My second favourite is definitely the one against Burnley. That was the final goal of the match where we won the Premier League title, and also the last goal of the season before we won the championship. Both of these goals will definitely stay in my heart forever.”
Havertz is also known for wearing long sleeves whenever he plays. The habit continued during the World Cup in the summer, even though temperatures rose above 40 degrees Celsius, and he wore them at both training and matches during a camp in Singapore.
“It’s a superstition. I feel it’s the most comfortable way for me to play, and I don’t know why, but I can’t stand to see my arms without sleeves covering them,” he said.
“This habit developed gradually. At the World Cup and during the training camp in Singapore, people laughed at me because it was 45 degrees Celsius and I was still wearing long sleeves in training and matches.
“But I just like it this way, and my brain keeps telling me to wear long sleeves, so now I can’t wear short sleeves anymore.”
Havertz said he and Ben White had been close friends since he arrived at Arsenal, adding that their wives were also close. He described White as one of the best defenders he had worked with and said the defender had repeatedly demonstrated his value in both defence and attack.
He also praised Gyokeres, with the pair having developed a close friendship away from the pitch.
“He’s just a great guy, really funny, and has great jokes,” Havertz said. “I think I’m quite funny too, and we clicked from the first moment we met. Yes, we have a lot of fun both on and off the pitch.
“I think he’s a really good person, so it’s very easy to get along with him.”
