Every word of Arteta's pre-Crystal Palace presser | News
Mikel Arteta faced the media on Thursday afternoon before the final game of our title-winning Premier League season against Crystal Palace on Sunday. The boss discussed the moment we were crowned champions, the celebrations on Tuesday night, and the emotions behind seeing all of our supporters celebrating: 'Yes, it’s incredible to hear them, especially understanding the journey, the manner that we’ve done it, and how many people have been involved and waiting for so long to accomplish that goal.'
On hearing the words that we’re Premier League Champions, he felt a surge of pride. 'It’s one of the best feelings I’ve ever had,' he said. He was supposed to be here, watching the game with the boys and staff, but couldn’t. That moment of being alone made him rethink what he wanted—instead, he left the stadium, went home, built fire, and shared barbecue. When his oldest son opened the garden door, he saw joy in their eyes and realized that their bond with him was unmatched. It was magical. A minute later, Martin Odegaard joined the video, saying, 'come over,' and they laughed until they both remembered the magic.
On seeing the reaction of the players, he emphasized that their moment was their own. 'If I’m there, I think it wouldn’t be the same,' he said. He admired their authenticity and the way they embraced the celebration. The staff were over-the-top, and together, they created a memorable experience that only they could share.
On beating Pep Guardiola and Manchester City to the title, he acknowledged that the journey was difficult. 'They’ve been a huge part of that journey,' he said. Pep’s leadership and Manchester City’s drive pushed the team to heights that even the opponents could not match. Over the past few years, the standards have continued to rise, and now, with this win, they've shown that perseverance and resilience can lead to greatness. This moment has also taught him that the most important thing is to stay humble and focused on achieving goals, even when others may not.
On whether he would encourage people to keep celebrating, he reflected on the impact of his decisions. 'They have to do what they feel,' he said. The chemistry between the club and its supporters is something beautiful. The trophy is great, but what truly matters is the connection and passion that drives every player and fan. After all, the story of this team isn't just about the trophy—it's about the values we carry and how we inspire others.
On if he feels vindicated by his choices, he questioned whether other managers might have achieved similar results differently. 'I don’t know if someone else would have done things in a different way,' he said. He believes in following his instincts and trusting his team’s ability to create change. His commitment to fostering a culture of excellence and respect will continue to shape the future of Arsenal.
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