Eager Arsenal fans around the world were glued to their screens as Manchester City’s draw with Bournemouth crowned the north London club as Premier League champions. But Mikel Arteta, who led the Gunners to their first league title in 22 years, was not watching the match.
The coach had planned to be at London Colney’s training center to watch the game with his players, but he didn’t find the energy to make the trip and opted to stay at home.
“I went out to the garden, I started lighting a fire. I started having a barbecue, I didn’t watch anything,” Arteta told reporters this Thursday (21).
After finishing second three seasons in a row, Arteta received news of the long-awaited triumph from his eldest son Gabriel, who plays for Arsenal’s under-18 team.
“My eldest son opened the garden door, started running towards me. He started crying, gave me a hug and said: ‘We are champions, daddy’,” said Arteta.
“Then my other two children and my wife came, and it was beautiful to see their joy too.”
Videos shared by Arsenal on social media after confirming the league title one round in advance.
“It was their moment. And they had to be themselves in that moment. If I had been there, I don’t think it would have been the same,” said Arteta.
Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard called Arteta soon after, asking where the manager was.
“I said: Guys, enjoy a bit and I’ll see you in a few hours somewhere in London,” Arteta recalled with a smile.
Arteta questioned himself in difficult moments
This is Arteta’s first league title as manager, and he admitted he doubted himself during a high-pressure campaign in which the team were often one step away from losing their lead in the title race.
“Playing with this constant pressure is not easy. This was one of the most difficult moments… we showed very important values not only in sport, but in life. Which are perseverance, resilience, composure in moments of doubt,” he said.
“And the vulnerability. I asked myself: am I good enough to lead these players towards winning a big title? Until you win it, you can’t validate yourself.”
Arteta stated that the atmosphere at the club changed after the , increasing the team’s confidence towards the .
“The change is due to the level of emotion you feel, something I had never experienced before,” he said.
Arsenal will end their league campaign and lift the trophy against Crystal Palace on Sunday (24).
“We will have a period to celebrate, lift the trophy and connect with the people who are always around us. Then, we will have six days to write a new history at this club,” added Arteta.
