Ex-Real Madrid star aims brutal dig at Arsenal ahead of PSG clash as he blasts 'stupid' players

A former Real Madrid star has aimed a brutal dig at Arsenal ahead of their Champions League clash against Paris Saint-Germain.

Arsenal resume their Champions League campaign against PSG, having knocked out Real Madrid in the previous round.

The Gunners beat the current holders 5-1 on aggregate following their victories across both legs.

PSG, meanwhile, beat Unai Emery's Aston Villa 5-4 on aggregate to book their spot in the semi-finals.

Arsenal entertain PSG at the Emirates in the first-leg before travelling to Paris for the second-leg.

Ahead of tonight's tie in London, Rafael van der Vaart has slammed Arsenal and taken a swipe at the Premier League in the process.

He questioned the quality of England's top flight and claimed 'most players are stupid' in the Premier League.

Mikel Arteta speaking in a pre-match presser ahead of Arsenal's game against Paris Saint-Germain. Image: Getty

"The Premier League ain’t all that, most players are stupid there. But because of how close the fans are to the pitch, the people at home get the idea it’s a fast paced league," he exclaimed. "But trust me, footballing wise, the Premier League ain’t all that."

On Arsenal, Van der Vaart added: "Arsenal can’t compete for the Premier League. I see them as the AZ of the Premier League. Fun team, good youth, but that’s it."

Van der Vaart spent two seasons at Real before signing for Arsenal's rivals Tottenham, where he enjoyed two seasons - scoring 28 goals in 77 appearances.

The Dutchman failed to win a major title with Real and, needless to say, he never won anything at Spurs.

Arsenal, who have never won the Champions League, haven't reached the semi-finals since 2009 when they suffered a 4-1 aggregate defeat to Manchester United.

Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Mikel Arteta said: "You feel [the weight of history].

"Especially because we have a lot of people who have worked at this club for many, many years and they've never been in this position. That tells you how unique and beautiful this is.

"We are making history. It's a beautiful story right now - but we want much more."