Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has finally opened up about his absence during the squad’s viewing of Manchester City’s draw with Bournemouth, a result that crowned the Gunners Premier League champions. Instead of celebrating with his players, Arteta chose a quiet evening at home, away from the cameras.
Speaking to reporters on Thursday, Arteta described the moment as one of the best feelings he has ever experienced. He explained that he had initially planned to watch the match alongside his players and staff, but a sudden change of heart made him leave just twenty minutes before kickoff. ‘I couldn’t bring the energy I wanted,’ Arteta admitted. ‘It was their moment to be together, watch it themselves, and just see what the outcome would be.’
Rather than joining the team at the Sobha Realty training center, Arteta went home, stepped into his garden, built a fire, and started barbecuing. He didn’t watch a single minute of the game. ‘I was just hearing noises in the background and the living room, then the magic happened,’ he recalled.
The emotional climax came when his eldest son burst through the garden door, crying, and hugged him, shouting, ‘We’re champions, Daddy.’ His wife and two other sons soon joined, creating a beautiful family moment. ‘It was magical,’ Arteta said. Shortly after, captain Martin Odegaard called him via video, asking where he was. ‘I said, ‘Enjoy it. See you in a few hours, somewhere in London.”