Mikel Arteta was in the garden building a fire' when Arsenal won Premier League title

Arteta said he could not watch Manchester City’s draw at Bournemouth and left the training ground before kickoff. He went home, built a fire in his garden, and started a barbecue while hearing the match noises from inside. His oldest son ran out, cried, hugged him, and told him Arsenal were champions. His other sons and his wife joined him, creating a family celebration. Arteta said he felt relief after three straight runner-up finishes and admitted he had questioned whether he was good enough to deliver the final step. He also said he did not regret missing the players’ moment because it needed to be theirs, and he later shared a celebration with the team.

"I was supposed to be here with the players, and certain staff, because that's what they wanted, he said. But I couldn't. I had to leave. I couldn't bring the energy that I wanted. It was their moment to be together, watch it themselves and just see what the outcome would be. I went home, went outside to the garden, started to build some fire and started to do some barbecue. I didn't watch any of it. I was just hearing noises in the background and the living room."

"Then the magic happened. My oldest son [Gabriel, who plays for Arsenal's under 18s] opened the garden door, ran towards me, started to cry, gave me a hug and said: We're champions Daddy.' My other two boys and my wife came over and it was beautiful to see the joy in them they are always with me. It was magical. A minute later Martin degaard was with the video: Where are you? Come over.'"

"Asked whether he regretted not being there to celebrate with his players, Arteta added: It was a moment and they have to be themselves in that moment and if I'm there, I think it was not going to be the same. And yes, I'm glad they did it that way, they enjoyed it so much and the staff was all over the place and then we had our moment together a few hours later."

"The manager also admitted his relief at being crowned champions after three successive runners-up finishes and revealed he had questioned whether he was good enough to help his team make the final step. Arteta had headed to the training ground to watch the City match with the squad on Tuesday, having previously said he planned to stay at home. But 20 minutes before kick-off he decided he could not bear the tension and went back to be with his family."

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