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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Sport
Matt Verri

'Can't wait': Mikel Arteta says Arsenal are ready to write new chapter with historic Champions League win

Mikel Arteta urged Arsenal to write a new chapter in the club's history as he declared there is more to come after their Premier League success.

The Gunners are domestic champions for the first time in 22 years and got their hands on the trophy at Selhurst Park on Sunday evening.

There were huge celebrations on the pitch and in the stands and those are likely to continue long into the night.

On Monday, though, the focus will swiftly shift to the Champions League final. Arsenal face Paris Saint-Germain on Saturday in Budapest when they will have the chance to become European champions for the first time ever.

The usual intensity will be back from Arteta but on Sunday he urged his players to ensure they soaked in the moment.

"We need that energy to flow and going against that, I think it will be a big mistake," Arteta said.

"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 we can't wait to write a new chapter in the history of our club and lift the Champions League."

Arsenal are Premier League champions for the first time in 22 years (PA)
Arsenal are Premier League champions for the first time in 22 years (PA)

Arteta won the FA Cup in the first season of his time at Arsenal in 2020 but it has been a long wait for major silverware since then.

After three successive second-place finishes the barren Premier League run has finally been ended and Arteta is now targeting an era of Arsenal dominance.

"I said to the boys that this shirt now represents something else," Arteta said.

"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. 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."

Arteta was emotional on the pitch as he lifted the trophy and stood with his family. The players hoisted him into the air in front of the away end to huge roars.

The Spaniard is a firm believer in visualisation and has spoken of how in March and April he regularly pictured himself lifting the trophy.

Now he finally made that a reality, Arteta was asked if he now felt like a different coach.

"I'm the same one but I'm happier and relieved, I would say," Arteta said.

Mikel Arteta and his backroom staff celebrate Arsenal’s Premier League title triumph (Getty)
Mikel Arteta and his backroom staff celebrate Arsenal’s Premier League title triumph (Getty)

"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 was the ultimate goal. We came very close, and in three locations we fell short at the end, and that was very painful. But I think that's what has driven all of us to find new ways to show what we are made of.

"That's why I said that the manner that we've done it, it makes it even better."

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