After 22 years, Arsenal manager reflects on the emotional victory and looks ahead to Champions League final
Category: Sports
Mikel Arteta held his first news conference as a Premier League champion on May 21, 2026, expressing his joy and disbelief at Arsenal's long-awaited title victory. The Gunners secured the championship after Manchester City drew 1-1 with Bournemouth, allowing Arsenal to clinch the title with a game to spare, ending a 22-year wait since their last triumph in the 2003-04 season.
Arteta described being called a Premier League champion as "incredible" and "one of the best feelings I have ever had." He acknowledged the emotional weight of the moment, especially considering the long and arduous path the team had taken to reach this pinnacle. "You probably don't realize it. It's one of the best feelings I've ever had," he said during the press conference.
Originally, Arteta planned to watch Manchester City's match against Bournemouth at the training ground with his players, but he left just 20 minutes before kickoff, feeling he couldn't bring the energy needed for the occasion. Instead, he went home and spent the evening barbecuing in his garden. It was there that he learned of Arsenal's victory from his eldest son, Gabriel, who excitedly ran to him and exclaimed, "We are champions, daddy!" Arteta described this moment as "beautiful" and filled with joy.
Arsenal's championship win is historic, marking the longest gap between titles since Liverpool's 30-year drought. The Gunners have now won the Premier League a total of 14 times, placing them third in the all-time standings behind Manchester United and Liverpool. The team, under Arteta's management since December 2019, has achieved this success following three consecutive runner-up finishes, including a narrow defeat to Manchester City last season.
Arteta's leadership has been instrumental in revitalizing Arsenal, transforming them into serious contenders once again. He emphasized the importance of maintaining high standards and ambition moving forward, stating, "Now we have to show we have the ambition, the quality, and the consistency to do that. That is going to be the next step." This sentiment reflects his determination to build upon this success and establish Arsenal as a dominant force in English football.
As the team prepares for their final Premier League match against Crystal Palace on May 24, and the Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain on May 30, Arteta has urged his players to embrace the moment and focus on the upcoming challenges. "We had 48 hours to enjoy the success of winning the league, now tomorrow and Saturday we are going to prepare really well because we need to lift our habits and standards to be in the best possible way to compete on Sunday," he said.
Looking ahead, Arsenal's Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain presents a remarkable opportunity for the club to secure a historic double. Arteta has expressed his desire to celebrate with the fans after the Champions League final, stating, "We want to have the parade with two trophies." This ambition reflects the team's aspirations to solidify their status as one of Europe's elite clubs.
Meanwhile, Arsenal's preparations continue as they aim to end the season on a high note. The squad returned to training on May 21, with Arteta providing updates on player fitness. Mikel Merino is expected to return to full training soon, but Jurrien Timber remains sidelined as the team gears up for their final league match.
In a lighter moment, Arteta also addressed the absence of 16-year-old Max Dowman from training, who missed sessions to focus on his GCSE exams. Dowman made history as the youngest Premier League winner, capturing the title at just 16 years old.
Arteta's reflections on the title win reveal his personal joy and the collective effort that led to this achievement. He praised Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola for his role in the title race, acknowledging that the match against City was a turning point for Arsenal. "He almost took the Premier League away from us and then helped us win it on the last week!" Arteta remarked, demonstrating his respect for his fellow managers and the competitive nature of the league.
As Arsenal looks to the future, the focus remains on building a legacy of success. Arteta's vision for the club includes instilling a culture of ambition and excellence, ensuring that the Gunners remain competitive in both domestic and European competitions. With the Champions League final on the horizon, fans and players alike are eager to see how this season will culminate.
In the coming days, attention will turn to Arsenal as they prepare for their final matches of the season. The excitement surrounding the club is at an all-time high, and the upcoming trophy parade will likely be a celebration of the Premier League triumph and the hopes for future successes.
As Arteta concluded his press conference, he expressed gratitude for the support of the fans, saying, "Everything we have done is worth it and now we need to sustain it." This commitment to excellence will undoubtedly define Arsenal's path in the seasons to come.