Arteta Arsenal title celebration absence explained as Mikel Arteta reveals emotional reason he missed Arsenal’s Premier League title moment

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has revealed the emotional reason he was not present with players and staff during their gathering to watch Manchester City’s match against Bournemouth on Tuesday night, a result that confirmed Arsenal as Premier League champions.

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The title celebration of Arsenal became a talking point after Manchester City’s 1-1 draw at the Vitality Stadium sealed the league crown for Arsenal, prompting jubilant scenes among players at the Sobha Realty Training Centre, where footage later circulated online showing celebrations without the head coach.

Explaining his absence, Arteta said he had initially planned to join players and staff but was forced to leave shortly before kick-off, saying he could not “bring the energy” he felt the moment required.

“I was supposed to be here with the players and certain staff… but I couldn’t. Twenty minutes before the game, I had to leave,” Arteta told reporters. “I went home, went outside to the garden, started to build some fire and started to do some barbecue. I didn’t watch any of it.”

Arsenal manager described a deeply personal evening at home, recalling how he experienced the match indirectly while hearing reactions from inside the house before the historic confirmation arrived.

He added that the moment became even more meaningful when his family joined him in celebration. “My oldest son opened the garden door, ran towards me, started to cry, gave me a hug and said, ‘We’re champions, Daddy,’” Arteta said, describing the scene as “magical.”

Arteta missing from Arsenal title celebration was briefly interrupted when captain Martin Odegaard later contacted him via video call, urging him to join the team, to which Arteta responded that they should enjoy the moment and that he would see them later in London.

Arsenal manager said the title win represented one of the most meaningful moments of his career, reflecting on the long journey and collective effort behind the club’s success.

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“It’s one of the best feelings I ever had,” he said, adding that the achievement belonged to everyone involved in the club’s progression.