‘We are champions, Daddy!’ – Arteta got title news from tearful son
Manager Mikel Arteta revealed he was building a fire as 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 on Tuesday allowed Arsenal to secure the title with a game to spare, marking Sunday’s finale at Crystal Palace the first lap of their victory parade.
Arsenal’s players and staff watched Tuesday’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 here, 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.