Mikel Arteta is “fully convinced” Arsenal can be crowned champions of Europe for the first time this weekend after ending their 22-year wait for a Premier League title.
The Gunners meet reigning European champions Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League final in Budapest on Saturday after clinching their first Premier League title since 2004.
Star-studded PSG, who defeated Inter Milan 5-0 in the final last season, are widely considered favorites to win the European Cup again.
But Arsenal manager Arteta believes the confidence gained from winning the Premier League will inspire the Gunners to upset the odds.
“You felt the energy, you felt the positivity and the confidence in the players and everyone around the club,” he said.
“We have a great opportunity to write new history for our football club, and we are confident that we will do that.
“We will fly to Budapest on Thursday, fully convinced that we can become champions of Europe in a few days.”
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The 44-year-old Spaniard was speaking at the League Managers Association’s annual awards dinner in central London on Tuesday, where he was named Premier League manager of the year.
“First of all, thank you very much for giving us this award,” said former Everton and Arsenal midfielder Arteta. “It’s a tremendous honor. You relate to some of the great managers and all the colleagues in this room.
«It’s been a fascinating journey for a few years now. We’ve knocked on the door, we’ve tried, we’ve come up short a few times, and actually winning made it so special.»
Arteta thanked several people on receiving the award, including Everton boss David Moyes for introducing him to English football when he signed him in 2005.
He also praised his «instrumental» coaching team, saying: «They have been an inspiration, they have been very supportive. They have made me enjoy this profession in a way I probably couldn’t imagine.»
Published on May 27, 2026
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