'One of the best feelings I've ever had': Arteta on Arsenal's Premier League triumph
London, May 21
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta described the club's Premier League triumph as one of the best feelings of his life after the Gunners secured their first league title in 22 years. Arsenal were officially confirmed champions after Manchester City were held to a 1-1 draw by AFC Bournemouth, leaving City four points behind the North London side with only one game remaining in the season.
The title win ended Arsenal's long wait for a league crown since the famous 2003/04 "Invincibles" campaign and came after three straight runner-up finishes under Arteta, including the 2023/24 season when City edged them by just two points.
Speaking at a press conference ahead of Arsenal's final league game against Crystal Palace on Sunday, Arteta revealed he could not bring himself to watch City's match live.
"You probably don't realise it. It's one of the best feelings I've ever had. I was supposed to be here, at the training ground, watching the game with the boys and the staff because that's what they wanted - but I couldn't," Arteta said.
"I think 20 minutes before the game, I had to leave. I couldn't bring the energy that I wanted, and ultimately it was their moment to watch it together and be themselves," he added.
The Spaniard said he instead spent the evening at home with his family and only realised Arsenal had become champions when his son ran out to tell him.
"I went home, I went outside to the garden and had a BBQ, and I didn't watch any of it. I was just hearing some noises in the living room, and suddenly the magic happened," he said. "My eldest son opened the garden door, started to run towards me, gave me a hug, and said: 'We are Champions, daddy!' It was beautiful."
Arteta also thanked Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola for his side's result against City.
"He nearly took the Premier League away from us, and then he helped us win it," Arteta said while praising Iraola for the "incredible job" he has done at Bournemouth.
Meanwhile, with this win, Mikel Arteta became the first former Premier League player to win the trophy as a manager. He took charge of the Gunners in December 2019, having played for the club between 2011 and 2016.
Arsenal have now won four Premier League titles, putting them two clear of Liverpool and only one behind Chelsea.
— IANS
Reader Comments
The moment Arteta's son told him they were champions must have been pure magic. Reminds me of watching my own dad celebrate when India won the 2011 World Cup - some memories just stay with you forever. Fair play to Bournemouth and Iraola too!
Honestly, this is well deserved. I'm a Chelsea fan but you have to respect what Arteta has built. From finishing 8th to champions in 5 years - proper project that. The Premier League needed a new champion and Arsenal brought back that old magic. 🤩
Watching from Mumbai at 3am, and it was worth every minute of lost sleep! 🎉 Arteta's tactical evolution has been superb - the way he adapted without a proper striker all season shows real coaching genius. But I do wonder if they need a backup plan for when Saka or Odegaard get injured. One injury could derail everything next season.
That story about his son... 🥹 My 8-year-old nephew is a massive Arsenal fan and he hasn't stopped dancing since yesterday. This club means so much to families across India. Arteta bringing back the Invincibles spirit - just beautiful. Ab aur bhi titles chahiye! (Now we want more titles!)
Respect to Arteta for being honest about not being able to watch the match live. Shows he's human after all. But let's not forget - this team almost bottled it in April with those draws against West Ham and Southampton. They need to strengthen the squad depth to challenge consistently, especially in Europe. Still, absolutely brilliant
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