Mikel Arteta has revealed that he was building a fire in his garden when his tearful son delivered the news that Arsenal had been crowned Premier League champions for the first time in 22 years.
Speaking publicly for the first time since Arsenal secured the title, Arteta admitted the 'relief' of proving his doubters wrong and laid down the gauntlet to rivals by declaring: 'Now we want more.'
Title clinched without Arteta watching
Manchester City's 1-1 draw at Bournemouth allowed Arsenal to seal the championship with a game to spare, meaning Sunday's finale at Crystal Palace will be the first lap of their victory parade. While Arsenal's players and staff watched the drama unfold at the club's training base, 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.'
A magical moment in the garden
'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 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 on them. 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.'
