'He started to cry, gave me a hug and said: 'We are champions, Daddy'. It was magical'

Arsenal were crowned Premier League champions for the first time in 22 years after Manchester City drew 1-1 with Bournemouth, giving Arsenal the title with a game to spare. Arteta spoke publicly for the first time since the title was guaranteed and described the relief of proving doubters wrong. He said Arsenal now want more and set a challenge for future success. Players and staff watched the title drama unfold at the club’s training base, while Arteta went home to be with his family. He built a fire and barbecue, then heard noises as his son ran in crying and announced, “We are champions, Daddy.” Martin Odegaard later sent a video urging Arteta to join the celebration.

"“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.”"

"“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.”"

"Arteta also admitted the “relief” of proving his doubters wrong before laying down the gauntlet to the club's rivals by declaring: “Now we want more.” Manchester City's 1-1 draw against Bournemouth allowed Arsenal to secure the title with a game to spare, marking Sunday's finale at Crystal Palace the first lap of their victory parade."

Read at Irish Independent