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FIFA World Cup 2026 poster'We are champions, daddy!' How Arteta got Arsenal news
Press Association •  May 22nd, 2026 7:38 am
Mikel Arteta | Photo: Press Association
Mikel Arteta has revealed he was preparing a barbecue when his crying son broke the news to him that Arsenal had been crowned Premier League champions for the first time in 22 years.
Arteta, speaking publicly for the first time since Arsenal were guaranteed of this season's title, also admitted the "relief" of proving his doubters wrong before laying down the gauntlet to the club's rivals by declaring: "Now we want more."
Manchester City's 1-1 draw against Bournemouth allowed Arsenal to secure the title with a game to spare, marking Monday's finale at Crystal Palace the first lap of their victory parade.
Arsenal's players and staff watched Wednesday's drama unfold at the club's training base, but Arteta headed home to be with his family.
"It's one of the best feelings I've ever had," said Arteta. "I was supposed to be at the training ground, watching the game with the boys and the staff, because that's what they wanted – but I couldn't.
"Twenty minutes before the game I had to leave. I couldn't bring the energy that I wanted, and ultimately it was their moment to watch it together and be themselves.
"I went home, I went outside to the garden, and I started to build some fire and started to do some barbecue. I didn't watch any of it. I was just hearing some noises in the background, in the living room and suddenly the magic happened.
"My oldest son (Gabriel, who plays for Arsenal Under 18s) opened the garden door, he started to run towards me, he started to cry, gave me a hug, and said: 'We are champions, daddy'. Just to see the joy, it was magical.
"And a minute later, Martin (Odegaard) sent over a video: 'Where are you? Come over.' I said: 'Guys, enjoy it for a while and I'll see you in a few hours somewhere in London'. It was beautiful."
Arsenal took their celebrations to the exclusive Tape nightclub in Mayfair where Arteta later joined them.
"I'm most proud of how we won it," said Arteta. "We showed a very important value, not only in sport, but in life which is perseverance, to be resilient, to be composed in moments when people are doubting you, to be vulnerable.
"Because I've asked that question to myself: 'Am I good enough to lead this team, this club, these players to win a major trophy?'
"And until you do it, you cannot validate yourself. And I thought about the best way to do it. We brought people in from outside and speakers to inspire them. But you have to find your own way."
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