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Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta gave an interview to Sky Sports after securing the championship title.
Journalist: Mikel, look what you have achieved. You have brought joy to countless people. Obviously you are delighted yourself, and what you have done for others is truly meaningful.
Arteta: I believe the greatest joy is seeing people from numerous nations filled with happiness, and it all happened so naturally. After all these years, witnessing this moment is absolutely wonderful.
Journalist: That is exactly the essence. I do not usually recommend browsing social media, yet people can capture touching moments from diverse perspectives nowadays. Fans can see the players, scenes at the Emirates Stadium, as well as heartfelt stories from former players and supporters who have lost loved ones. All these precious memories are perfectly recorded.
Arteta: Indeed, technology serves as a great tool. It helps us look back on everything we have experienced in the past 48 hours and preserve these precious moments. It is extremely valuable.
Journalist: Is there any scene that deeply touched you and made you fully realize how significant this achievement is to everyone?
Arteta: What unfolded at the Emirates Stadium still feels surreal to me. Everything took place rapidly and naturally, filled with tremendous energy, immense relief and sheer joy.
Journalist: I remember our previous talks. You enjoy coaching even more than playing football, for it grants you unique influence. Few occupations bring such immense pressure, yet offer such supreme honor and glory at triumphant moments. You are the leader who brings all these achievements to the team.
Arteta: Such moments are truly magical. They make every hardship endured while striving for prestigious club honors worthwhile. I would make the exact same choices all over again without hesitation.
Journalist: Talk about what happened on Tuesday, especially in the final stage, since you were not present at the venue.
Arteta: After the match against Burnley, Martin Ødegaard came to me and said, "Boss, we hope you can watch the decisive game together with us. The coaching staff should stay alongside the players." I replied, "Alright, if that is what you wish, we will do so. This moment belongs to all of you." We had a short training session afterwards. The viewing was scheduled to start at half past seven. Fifteen minutes ahead of time, I headed upstairs to the dining area where everything was well prepared. However, I was not in the right state of mind.
Journalist: What do you mean by that?
Arteta: I cannot explain it clearly. I felt that the players would devote themselves fully to every ball during the game. My presence would change the atmosphere and dynamics. Therefore, I went downstairs and said, "Martin, I sincerely apologize. I am going home. I believe this is the proper decision. I will join you immediately if we claim the title." Then I left for home. I knew nothing about the ongoing match during my drive, which lasted half an hour. No radio was turned on, only music played in the car.
Journalist: You drove home alone?
Arteta: Yes. When I opened the door, my children were watching the game with team flags in the living room. I told them I would join them after the final whistle and then walked straight to the garden. I made a fire in the chimney and prepared barbecue with one staff member accompanying me. That one and a half hour felt like the longest time in my life. I could faintly hear cheers from the living room and neighboring houses, but had no idea about the real-time situation. Suddenly, my eldest son rushed towards me in tears and hugged me tightly, shouting that Arsenal had claimed the Premier League crown. Moments later, my other two sons and my wife came over to embrace me, and we all shed tears out of excitement.
Journalist: What an incredible moment. Do you think everything turned out perfectly?
Arteta: I never imagined winning the league title in such a way, staying alone at home preparing barbecue. Yet it seemed destined to happen like this. My family are the closest people to me, and I wanted to stay with my wife and kids first. Shortly afterwards, Martin Ødegaard made a video call, and all players appeared on the screen asking where I was and urging me to come back. I comforted them to enjoy the celebration first and promised to reunite with them that night. Two hours later, we gathered together in central London and spent an unforgettable time.
Journalist: You spent the precious moment with your family. Players and staff seldom see your vulnerable side on the training ground, while your loved ones witness your true feelings.
Arteta: I deeply understood how much this championship meant to my family. They showed their sincere feelings and realized all my efforts behind the scenes. My wife always calms me down and offers great support. I could maintain confidence and positive mentality to lead the team through the past six and a half years largely thanks to her. I firmly believe we could never achieve such success without her constant backing.
Journalist: You once admitted in press conferences that you were not fully confident about winning major trophies for the club. Did your wife help you build faith in yourself?
Arteta: She is an important source of strength for me. I always set strict standards for myself, and I often doubt whether I am competent enough for the managerial role. Nevertheless, I stick to the values I have learned since childhood, including perseverance, resilience and the spirit of never giving up. I also accept that hard work may not always bring desired results, and keep drawing lessons from past mistakes. No one loves football more than I do, and I always stand firm when facing difficulties. No one can take away my pride and happiness for this hard-earned achievement.
