Mikel Arteta has disclosed that he reached out to his childhood friend Andoni Iraola after Bournemouth played a pivotal role in helping Arsenal clinch their first Premier League title in 22 years. The Gunners were crowned champions on Tuesday evening with a game to spare, following Manchester City's 1-1 draw at the Vitality Stadium.
A month earlier, Bournemouth had dealt a significant blow to Arsenal's title hopes with a surprise 2-1 victory at the Emirates Stadium. However, in Iraola's final home game in charge, the Cherries compensated for that defeat by securing European qualification and acting as kingmakers in the title race.
Arteta's Phone Call to Iraola
Speaking at Arsenal's Champions League final media day, Arteta said: 'I didn't message him, I rang him. I called him yesterday, firstly to congratulate him on the incredible job he has done with Bournemouth. I told him he almost took the Premier League away from us and then helped us to win it on the last week! I rang him to show my admiration towards him and wish him the best in the next chapter of his career, which I'm sure is going to be very successful.'
Arteta's Emotional Title Celebration
Arteta also revealed how he learned of the title win while at home with his family. '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.'
After the news, Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard sent a video asking Arteta to join the celebrations. Arteta said: 'I said, 'Guys, enjoy it for a while and I'll see you in a few hours somewhere in London'. It was beautiful.'
Arteta admitted the 'relief' of proving his doubters wrong and declared: 'Now we want more.'
