Mikel Arteta has insisted he is "convinced" Arsenal can win the Champions League after finally lifting the Premier League trophy, ending the club's 22-year wait for a top-flight title. The Spaniard, who was hoisted aloft by his players at Selhurst Park, said: "This shirt represents something else. Now we have the opportunity to create new history in our club. I am convinced we are going to do it."
Captain Odegaard Focused on PSG Final
Captain Martin Odegaard made it clear there would be no wild celebrations as the Gunners are fixated on dethroning PSG in Budapest. He said: "We had a great celebration on Tuesday. The vibes are unreal. Everyone is so happy. But we have another big final in just a week, so we'll wait to party until after that!"
Odegaard added: "If we could do it, it would be unreal. We're living a dream, winning the Premier League and being in a Champions League final. I was speaking to my mate about growing up and dreaming about this and now we're there. We've got to be ready and go for it and hopefully we can do it."
Arteta Admits Doubts
Arteta also admitted there were times when he doubted whether he was the right man to drive Arsenal over the line. He explained after being reduced to tears in front of the travelling supporters: "There are doubts and the understanding that maybe you are not the right person. Thanks to God that we have done it. I feel a lot of joy and a lot of relief as well."
He continued: "I can control a lot of things but there are things that are out of your hands, that's when you need the best people around you. Sometimes when you have doubts, it is those people that say we are going to do it and we are going to do it with you."
Kroenke Family Celebrate
Arsenal co-chairman Josh Kroenke was in attendance, along with his father Stan, and carried the trophy across the pitch towards the jubilant away fans. After finally adding a Gunners title to their list of sporting achievements, Josh admitted this one was the toughest to get over the line. He said: "You can see, feel and hear what this means. All of the fans behind me are overcome with emotion after 22 years. If anyone deserves this, it's this group."
He added: "[We are invested] Emotionally, financially, everything. This club means the world to us. I think it took some people a few years to realise what that really meant but we have great people, players and coaches. We just have to continue providing the resources to do magical things like they did this season."
"It's incredibly special. It's a slower burner than our championships in the United States when you have the playoff system. The points system is a grind, credit to the staff, players and Mikel [Arteta] for keeping their heads on. They deserve it. Today is about enjoying, tomorrow we will get back to work because there is one more to play."
