Arsenal have won the Premier League title. Mikel Arteta said he learnt of his side’s Premier League title win from his tearful son while he had a barbecue in the garden.
Arteta’s Unusual Title Win Experience
Arteta did not watch Bournemouth holding title rivals Manchester City to a 1-1 draw. This result meant the title would be heading to north London for the first time in 22 years.
The Arsenal players gathered at the training ground to watch the match that would see them crowned champions. Arteta said that he had to leave because he “couldn’t bring the energy that I wanted”.
Arteta left for home 20 minutes before the game kicked off but did not actually watch the match. Instead, he was in the garden.
“I went to the garden, started to build a fire and had a barbecue and I didn’t watch any of it,” he said.
His son delivered the news. “My oldest son opened the garden door, started to run towards me, started to cry, gave me a hug, and said: ‘We are champions, Daddy’.”
“Then my other two boys and my wife came over and it was beautiful. Just to see that joy on them as well, that they are always with me, it was magical. A minute later, Martin [Odegaard] called me on video.”
Arteta Praises Bournemouth Manager
Arteta revealed that after the game he rang Bournemouth manager and childhood friend Andoni Iraola to thank him.
Arteta and Iraola grew up in the same region of the Basque Country and played for youth team Antiguoko in San Sebastian.
“I didn’t message him, I rang him. I called firstly to congratulate him on the incredible job he has done with Bournemouth,” Arteta said.
“I told him he almost took the Premier League away from us [the 2-1 loss that Arsenal suffered to Bournemouth in April] and then helped us to win it.”
Iraola has announced that he will depart Bournemouth at the end of the season once his contract expires. Arteta said the call was full of compliments and good wishes.
“I rang him to show my admiration towards him and wish him the best in the next chapter of his career, which I’m sure is going to be very successful,” he added.
Champions League Final on the Horizon
Arsenal have the chance to add a second trophy this season when they take on Paris St-Germain in the Champions League final on Sunday, 30 May in Budapest.
The Gunners’ title-winning parade is set for the day after the final. Arteta wants to make sure the fans see more success.
“We want to have the parade with two trophies,” he said.
“We had 48 hours to enjoy the success of winning the league; now we