4 hours ago
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Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta says he learnt of his side's Premier League title win from his tearful son while he had a barbecue in the garden.
The Spaniard says he did not watch Bournemouth holding title rivals Manchester City to a 1-1 draw - a result which meant the title would be heading to north London for the first time in 22 years.
The Arsenal players gathered at the training ground to watch the match that would see them crowned champions on Tuesday night, but Arteta says that he had to leave because he "couldn't bring the energy that I wanted".
"You probably don't realise it. It's one of the best feelings I've ever had," Arteta said about winning the league title.
"I was supposed to be watching the game with the boys and the staff because that's what they wanted - but I couldn't."
Arteta left for home 20 minutes before the game kicked off but did not actually watch the match.
"I went to the garden, started to build a fire and had a barbecue and I didn't watch any of it," he said.
"I was just hearing some noises in the living room and suddenly the magic happened.
"My oldest son opened the garden door, started to run towards me, started to cry, gave me a hug, and said: 'We are champions, Daddy'.
"Then my other two boys and my wife came over and it was beautiful. Just to see that joy on them as well, that they are always with me, it was magical. A minute later, Martin [Odegaard] called me on video."
He also revealed that after the game he rang Bournemouth manager and childhood friend Andoni Iraola to thank him.
Arteta and Iraola grew up in the same region of the Basque Country and played for youth team Antiguoko in San Sebastian.
"I didn't message him, I rang him. I called firstly to congratulate him on the incredible job he has done with Bournemouth," Arteta said.
"I told him he almost took the Premier League away from us [the 2-1 loss that Arsenal suffered to Bournemouth in April] and then helped us to win it."
