Stan Kroenke has admitted he was close to being overcome with emotion as he watched Arsenal lift the Premier League trophy for the first time in 22 years. The Arsenal owner, known as 'Silent Stan', was in attendance with his son and vice-chairman Josh at Selhurst Park last week to witness the Gunners' coronation.
In a rare interview with the Wall Street Journal, Kroenke said: 'It was extremely emotional. I don't think we can do these things without emotion, without a deep belief.' Despite overseeing title wins for his other teams, including the Los Angeles Rams, Colorado Avalanche and Denver Nuggets, he hinted that Arsenal's triumph held particular significance.
Kroenke also addressed his reluctance to communicate with fans, stating: 'If you're going to let those things deter you when you think you're doing what's right for your organisation and your view of the world, that would never get you very far.'
Regardless of the outcome of today's Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain, Arsenal are already planning for the summer. Josh Kroenke confirmed: 'The business never stops. Right now there are already other teams who are trying to strengthen and come at us for next season. We've already had a few different conversations about different areas where we think we can improve on and off the pitch.'
The club is also exploring expanding and upgrading the Emirates Stadium, 20 years after its opening. Josh Kroenke said: 'Rich Garlick is leading those conversations on our end right now. We have several new members of the board that are plugged into that. They're putting together a plan right now to renovate the Emirates.'
