Mikel Arteta has praised the support he’s had since arriving at the club back in 2019 and hailed the unity within the club after clinching our first title in 22 years.
The boss arrived from Manchester City in December 2019, finding us in 10th position and seven points adrift of the Champions League places.
We now sit proudly top of the Premier League and with a first title since 2004 in the bag, Mikel was keen to pay homage to those that have supported him and the players through the seven-year journey.
He said: “Seeing the stadium now and on Tuesday night, this is what makes me the most proud. Honestly, more than winning the Premier League.
“On the journey, what I am so glad about, is our ownership, because now we realise, the people we have looking after this football club, Stan and Josh.
“I hope our supporters can meet them in person and understand the values they have towards sport and football, and the way they feel about this football club, and we need to retain that big time.
“I said it the other day after the Burnley game, now that we have created this amazing stadium and energy, now we are all responsible that we maintain it, and improve it.”
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After two eighth-place finishes, we then came fifth before finishing second for three straight seasons. In 25/26, we made that last step, courtesy of a win over Burnley and a 1-1 draw between Manchester City and Bournemouth.
Mikel’s role here was his first as a manager in professional football and reflected on his journey with great pride.
“I think a lot about the day I came here without having managed a club before, and I think how brave this club was, especially our ownership, Stan and Josh were in making that decision.
“They have given me incredible support every single day. Our ownership are exceptional. We are so lucky to have Stan and Josh, and all the support I have from everyone at this club.
“I cannot name everyone, because there are so many, but together they have been instrumental in the journey in getting us to where we are today, and of course all the players who have been part of this journey.
“That’s ex-players as well who have played here. That’s the biggest lesson for me. We all work hard and then it belongs to players out there on the pitch.”
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