UMVA has learned that Mikel Arteta, the manager of Arsenal, has revealed a heartfelt conversation with his childhood friend Andoni Iraola, the manager of Bournemouth, after Arsenal secured their first Premier League title in 22 years.
The Gunners were crowned champions on Tuesday evening, with a game to spare, after Manchester City were held to a 1-1 draw at the Vitality Stadium. This dramatic turn of events came a month after Bournemouth appeared to have dented Arsenal's ambitions with a shock 2-1 win at Emirates Stadium.
However, Iraola's Bournemouth side went on to secure European qualification in what was his last home game at the helm, effectively making him a 'king maker' for Arsenal's title win. Arteta disclosed that he called Iraola to congratulate him on his incredible job with Bournemouth and to express his admiration for his friend's accomplishments.
'I didn't message him, I rang him,' Arteta said. '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!'
Arteta's emotional reaction to Arsenal's title win was palpable, as he revealed he was building a fire in his garden when his crying son broke the news to him. 'It's one of the best feelings I've ever had,' Arteta said. 'I was supposed to be at the training ground, watching the game with the boys and the staff, but I couldn't.'
As he watched his son's tears of joy, Arteta's heart swelled with pride. '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.'
With a sense of vindication, Arteta also expressed his relief at proving his doubters wrong. 'Now we want more,' he declared, laying down the gauntlet to Arsenal's rivals.
As Arsenal celebrated their historic title win, Arteta's thoughts were with his family and his friend Iraola, who had played a pivotal role in their championship journey.
