Here is every word Mikel Arteta said during his post-match press conference after he and his Arsenal team lifted the Premier League trophy at Selhurst Park
LONDON, May 25, 2026 — In a moment years in the making, Arsenal Football Club lifted the Premier League trophy at Selhurst Park following their victory over Crystal Palace. The scenes of pure elation — players, staff, and families sharing the silverware — marked the end of a long wait for the Gunners and a defining chapter in Mikel Arteta’s tenure as manager.
The occasion transcended the result on the pitch. After the final whistle, the focus shifted entirely to the trophy presentation, with club captain Martin Ødegaard leading the celebrations before every player and staff member had their moment with the prestigious award.
In his post-match press conference, Arteta opened up with raw emotion, gratitude, and forward-looking ambition. His words painted a picture not just of triumph, but of resilience, unity, and an unrelenting pursuit of excellence.
The Emotion of the Moment
When asked about his immediate feelings, Arteta struggled to encapsulate the magnitude of the achievement.
“Very difficult to put it into words, but yeah, what a moment. A lot of emotions, a lot of joy, pride. I think the manner that we’ve done it, I think represents what the guys are feeling and the reason why this magic happened.”
He admitted feeling a sense of relief after coming close in previous seasons.
“I’m the same one, but I’m happier and relieved, I would say. Obviously, throughout this journey, we have made some massive steps. We have accomplished a lot of things that, in my opinion, have a lot of value. But at the end of the day, we are here to win major trophies.”
That ultimate goal had proven elusive before, with painful near-misses that fueled the squad’s determination.
A Shared Celebration
Arteta highlighted the joy of sharing the moment with everyone connected to the club — particularly contrasting it with previous celebrations.
“It is different. It was magical the other night, and what we’ve done this afternoon here, I would say even better. Because all the staff are there, everybody is touching it, you see the joy of the players. Our support is the way they are behaving with the team. And of course, the families are around as well, and it brings something else.”
The presence of families on the pitch added a deeply personal layer to the occasion, making it one of genuine togetherness.
Gratitude and Legacy
Reflecting on the journey since taking over an inexperienced manager, Arteta was quick to thank those who believed in him.
“It’s been a lot. They gave me the opportunity to manage this football club when I had no experience at all. So first of all, I have some words of gratitude to everybody that was involved in that decision. And that’s for sure Edu, that’s Tim, that’s Vinai, that’s a lot of people that were there. Josh and Stan are still here, and you can see their faces today.”
He emphasized the collective effort required to build a competitive team capable of delivering the Premier League title.
Looking Ahead to Europe
With the Premier League secured, attention now turns to the UEFA Champions League final in Budapest. Arteta stressed the importance of savoring success while channeling the momentum forward.
“We need to do it, because we need that energy to flow, and going against that, I think it will be a big mistake. We talked about already what we have to do in Budapest, how we’re going to use all the incredible energy that we’re all carrying towards that final, and tomorrow we’re going to start to prepare it. And yeah, we can’t wait to write a new chapter in the history of our club and lift the Champions League.”
When pressed on whether this could mark the start of an era of dominance, Arteta was measured yet optimistic.
“Well, I said to the boys that this shirt now represents something else. We are the champions, and that brings a lot of confidence and a different kind of presence and energy to it. But as well, another kind of responsibility as well, and my job now and everybody at the club is going to be lift those standards now and achieve much more, because I think we are capable of doing it.”
A Team Effort
Arteta dismissed any notion of individual glory, insisting the title belonged to the collective.
“That’s why I said that the manner is the most beautiful thing, because I think this championship is about the win. And the reason everybody’s feeling like this is because they all feel that this is not about one player or two players, it’s about a team that under a lot of noise, expectations and pressure, this team has used us as an inspiration to find the right roads to success. And I’m so, so proud of that.”
He also addressed the strong bond with his players, visible in the joyous celebrations where he was lifted into the air by the squad.
“Well, I feel very privileged with the connection that we have between us. Not only with me, but with the coaching staff and all the staff. That’s the reason that you can be at a club for six years, six and a half years, seven years. Because you maintain that and that’s organic.”
What’s Next for Arsenal?
Arsenal’s season is far from over. The squad travels to Budapest with the chance to secure a historic double — Premier League champions and Champions of Europe.
Mikel Arteta has transformed Arsenal from a talented but inconsistent side into genuine title contenders. This Premier League victory is not just a trophy; it is validation of a project built on patience, belief, and an uncompromising vision.
As the manager himself put it: the standards have now been raised. For Arsenal fans, the long wait is over — and the best may still be yet to come.