Mikel Arteta wiped away tears of joy after Arsenal’s Premier League title triumph, then immediately challenged his players to create more history by winning the Champions League.
“We Can’t Wait to Lift It”: Arteta Sets Sights on Arsenal’s First Champions League Title
Arsenal secured their first English league title in 22 years after Manchester City dropped points against Bournemouth last Tuesday.
The Gunners made it official with a 2-1 victory over Crystal Palace on Sunday, with Gabriel Jesus and Noni Madueke scoring the goals at Selhurst Park.
The triumph ended a six-year trophy drought for the north London club. Arteta’s side finished seven points clear of second-placed City, sparking wild celebrations in south London.
Captain Martin Odegaard lifted the trophy adorned with red and white ribbons as thousands of ecstatic Arsenal fans packed into one corner of the stadium.
Jubilant players threw Arteta into the air before the Spanish boss kissed his wife on the pitch, moved to tears by the moment.
“It is very difficult to put it into words,” Arteta told reporters, a gold medal hanging around his neck.
“What a moment. A lot of emotions, a lot of joy, pride.”
But the intensely driven manager refuses to rest on his laurels. Next up for Arsenal is Saturday’s Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain in Budapest.
The Gunners have never won Europe’s top club competition, losing their only previous final to Barcelona in 2006.
“We need that energy to flow,” Arteta said. “Going against that will be a big mistake.
We already talked about what we have to do in Budapest and how we will use all the incredible energy we carry toward that final.”
Arteta believes his side can beat the defending champions PSG, who knocked Arsenal out in the semi-finals last season.
The club will start preparing for the final on Monday.
“We can’t wait to write a new chapter in the history of our club and lift the Champions League,” Arteta added.
“This shirt now represents something else. We are the champions, and that brings a lot of confidence.”
