Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has clarified why he was not present in the celebration photographs that emerged after the club secured the Premier League title on Tuesday night.
The players gathered at the Sobha Reality Training Centre to watch Bournemouth's 1-1 draw with Manchester City, which confirmed Arsenal as champions for the first time in 22 years. However, fans noticed Arteta's absence from the social media pictures, sparking curiosity.
Arteta's Explanation
Speaking to the media ahead of the final day clash against Crystal Palace, Arteta revealed that he was at the training centre earlier but left 20 minutes before the match kicked off. He admitted he could not muster the necessary energy to watch the game with the team.
"I was supposed to be here, at Sobha, watching the game with the boys and the staff, because that's what they wanted, but I couldn't. I think 20 minutes later, before the game, I had to leave," Arteta told arsenal.com. "I couldn't bring the energy that I wanted and I think it was the moment as well to watch it together, to be themselves and just see what the outcome would be. I went home."
Arteta added that he was at home in his backyard preparing a barbecue when his eldest son informed him that Arsenal had won the title. The rest of his family then joined him in celebrating the historic achievement.
"It was beautiful. Just to see that joy in them as well, that they are always with me, it was magical. A minute later, Martin Odegaard called me on video," he recounted.
Role of Bournemouth and Iraola
Bournemouth, managed by Arteta's friend Andoni Iraola, played a significant role in the title race. They defeated Arsenal 2-1 earlier in the season but then held Manchester City to a draw, ultimately handing Arsenal the title. Arteta confirmed he called Iraola to thank him for his team's contribution.
"So a quick call to say thank you, to show my admiration for him, and to wish him the best in the next chapter of his career, which I'm sure is going to be very, very successful," Arteta said.
The manager also acknowledged the influence of Pep Guardiola, under whom he served as an assistant at Manchester City before taking the Arsenal job.
