Arteta misses title confirmation moment as Arsenal crowned Premier League champions

LONDON: Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta was not watching when Manchester City’s draw at Bournemouth confirmed Arsenal as Premier League champions, even though fans across the world were following every moment closely.

Instead of joining his players at Arsenal’s training ground in London Colney, Arteta stayed at home, saying he “didn’t have the energy” to go and chose to spend the moment quietly in his garden.

“I went outside, started a fire, made a barbecue. I didn’t watch any of it,” Arteta told reporters.

After finishing second three times in a row, the news finally reached him through a very emotional moment. His eldest son, Gabriel, who plays for Arsenal’s Under-18 team, ran to him in the garden crying and told him they were champions.

“My son opened the door, ran towards me, crying and hugged me, saying, ‘We are champions, daddy,’” he said. “Then my other two boys and my wife joined. It was a beautiful moment.”

Arsenal players celebrated at their training centre after the title was confirmed, dancing and chanting as the result came in.

Arteta said he felt it was better for the players to enjoy the moment on their own without him there.

“If I was there, I think it wouldn’t have been the same,” he said.

Captain Martin also called him soon after to ask where he was, to which Arteta replied, “Enjoy it for a while, I’ll see you in London later.”

Reflecting on the tough journey, Arteta admitted he often doubted himself during the season.

“At times I asked myself: am I good enough to lead this team? But you only get the answer when you actually achieve it,” he said.

He added that the title win has boosted the team’s confidence ahead of the Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain.

Arsenal will now finish their league season and officially lift the trophy at Crystal Palace on Sunday. After that, Arteta said they will have a short celebration before focusing on making more history.