Mikel Arteta has challenged Arsenal to crown their remarkable season with UEFA Champions League glory after sealing their first Premier League title in 22 years.
The Arsenal manager spoke after the Gunners defeated Crystal Palace 2-1 at Selhurst Park to officially lift the Premier League trophy, ending years of frustration after finishing runners-up in the previous three campaigns.
Arteta said his players must channel the excitement from their domestic triumph into their upcoming Champions League final clash against Paris Saint-Germain in Budapest.
“We need that energy to flow,” Arteta said, insisting the team is carrying “incredible energy” ahead of the European showdown.
The Spanish coach believes winning the league has given his squad fresh confidence and a new level of responsibility as champions. He urged his players to seize the moment and write their names into Arsenal history by delivering the club’s first-ever Champions League title.
“And we can’t wait to write a new chapter in the history of our club and lift the Champions League,” he declared.
Arteta, who previously guided Arsenal to FA Cup success in 2020, described the Premier League triumph as a reward for years of hard work and painful near-misses. He admitted the victory brought relief after several seasons of falling short in title races.
According to the Arsenal boss, the experience of previous disappointments helped strengthen the mentality of the squad and pushed them to discover new ways to succeed.
Arsenal will now turn their full attention to Saturday’s Champions League final against PSG, where the North London side will attempt to complete a historic domestic and European double.
