Mikel Arteta urged Arsenal to sustain their energy ahead of next weeks Champions League final with Paris Saint-Germain after they were confirmed as Premier League champions on Tuesday.Arsenal saw their 22-year wait for the Premier League title come to an end two days ago as Manchester Citys 1-1 draw with Bournemouth secured the trophy for the Gunners with a game to spare.Artetas men finish their league campaign on Sunday at Crystal Palace, in a game that will now be free of tension as Arsenal prepare to receive the trophy at Selhurst Park after their meeting with the Conference League finalists.But attention will then turn to the unenviable task of trying to dethrone Champions League holders PSG in the showpiece in Budapest, where the Gunners will aim to win that trophy for the first time.Table of ContentsArteta eyes new Arsenal historyArteta explains absence from celebrationsArteta eyes new Arsenal historyYet the relief of getting over the line in the Premier League could help Arsenal, with Arteta conceding that takes some of the pressure off a Champions League final for which they are the clear underdogs.I think so [it takes the pressure off], Arteta told a pre-match press conference. I think it is a lot of emotion, joy, happiness, being proud. And as well it is a relief.When you see so many people waiting for something to happen, and when you achieve it, its pffft! Now we need to sustain that energy.We had 48 hours to enjoy the success of winning the league, now tomorrow and Saturday we are going to prepare really well because we need to lift our habits and standards to be in the best possible way to compete on Sunday. We will have a little window to lift the trophy and connect with the people around us and then we have six days to write a new history in this football club.Arteta confirmed that Mikel Merino will return to full training on Friday and is hopeful Jurrien Timber can do the same as the Gunners seek a pair of injury boosts ahead of the PSG game.Asked about the parade Arsenal have planned for the day after the Champions League final, Arteta said: We want to have the parade with two trophies.Arteta explains absence from celebrationsThere were wild scenes of celebrations among the Arsenal players at the clubs training ground after the final whistle went at Bournemouth. However, Arteta was not among them.Explaining his absence, Arteta replied: Its one of the best feelings Ive ever had. I was supposed to be here, at the training ground, watching the game with the boys and the staff because thats what they wanted but I couldnt. I think 20 minutes before the game I had to leave. I couldnt bring the energy that I wanted, and ultimately it was their moment to watch it together and be themselves.I went home, I went outside to the garden and had a BBQ and I didnt watch any of it. I was just hearing some noises in the living room and suddenly the magic happened. My eldest son opened the garden door, started to run towards me, gave me a hug and said: We are Champions, daddy! It was beautiful.On being called Premier League champions, Arteta said: Its incredible to hear them [words], especially when you consider the journey theyve been on, the way theyve done it, and how many people have been involved and waiting so long to achieve that goal.Its something I probably havent felt before. As a manager and a player, it feels different. The last 48 hours have been incredible. It has been so much fun and enjoyment. It has been great to live it.Arsenal will hope that this title is just the start of an era in which they establish themselves as a dominant force in the Premier League. But Arteta knows that will be no easy task.Now we have to show we have the ambition, the quality and the consistency to do that, he explained. That is going to be the next step. Topics Arsenal F.C. Champions League Premier League Add us as a preferred source on Google If you enjoy reading this article, you can help support our independent football journalism by adding 101 Great Goals as a preferred source You Should Also Read PSG: Ousmane Dembele provides injury update ahead of Champions League final after slight scare Nicholas McGee 21st May, 2026 Tottenham fan group plans protest after Everton game regardless of whether Spurs stay up Nicholas McGee 21st May, 2026 Arsenal unveil plans for open-top bus parade through streets of North London to celebrate Premier League title success Jon Fisher 20th May, 2026 North London is red: Arsenal fans celebrate title success after 22 years Jon Fisher 20th May, 2026 Guardiola refuses to confirm reports on Manchester City future after title race lost to Arsenal Nicholas McGee 19th May, 2026 Bournemouth 1-1 Manchester City: Report, result and goals as Cherries hand Arsenal title Nicholas McGee 19th May, 2026
