Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, who led the club back to the Premier League title after a 22-year wait, celebrated the triumph in his own unique way. While fans were glued to their screens, the Spanish coach turned off the TV.
With Manchester City held to a draw by Bournemouth, the title belonged to Arsenal. Arteta was at home in his garden, tending to plants and firing up the barbecue. “I went into the garden, started the fire, grilled meat. I didn’t watch any of the matches,” Arteta told reporters.
The bearer of good news was his eldest son Gabriel, a player for Arsenal’s U18 side. “My son opened the garden gate, ran toward me crying and hugged me. ‘Dad, we are champions.’ That was the most beautiful moment,” an emotional Arteta recalled.
He explained why he stayed away from the team: “This moment is theirs — the players needed the freedom to enjoy it. If I’d been there, it wouldn’t have been the same.” Captain Martin Odegaard later called to check in. Arteta told him: “Just enjoy it. See you in London later.”
Arteta admits he doubted himself
This is Arteta’s first league title as a head coach. He acknowledged moments of self-doubt during an intense season. “It’s normal to ask whether you’re good enough to lead this club to a major trophy. Until you do it, you can’t be sure,” he said.
The Premier League triumph provides added momentum ahead of the Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain on May 30. “This feeling is unprecedented. We’ll take time to celebrate, lift the trophy and connect with the fans. Then we have six days to write a new chapter,” Arteta added.
Arsenal will conclude the season and receive the trophy on Sunday away at Crystal Palace.
