Arteta adamant English title can inspire Arsenal to Champions League glory

Mikel Arteta remains “fully convinced” that Arsenal can claim their first European title this weekend after ending a 22‑year wait for a Premier League championship.

The Gunners will face reigning European champions Paris Saint‑Germain in Saturday’s Champions League final in Budapest, following their triumph in the Premier League – their first title since 2004.

Paris Saint‑Germain, who defeated Inter Milan 5‑0 in last season’s final, are widely seen as the favourites to lift the European Cup again.

Arteta believes the confidence gained from winning the Premier League will give Arsenal the edge needed to overturn the odds.

“You could sense the energy, you can sense the positivity and the confidence in the players and everybody around the club,” he said. “We have an amazing opportunity to write new history in our football club, and we are convinced that we’re going to do it. We will fly to Budapest on Thursday fully convinced that in a few days’ time we can be champions of Europe.”

The 44‑year‑old Spaniard delivered the remarks 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 so much for giving me this award,” said Arteta, a former Everton and Arsenal midfielder. “It’s an immense honour. You’re related to some of the great managers and all the colleagues that are in this room.”

“It’s been a fascinating journey for a few years. We’ve been knocking on the door, we’ve been trying, we fell short a few times, and to actually win it made it so special.”

Arteta thanked several people upon receiving the award, including Everton boss David Moyes, who introduced him to English football when he signed him in 2005.

He also praised his “instrumental” coaching team, saying: “They’ve been an inspiration, they’ve been extremely supportive with me. They made me enjoy this profession in a way that probably I could not imagine.”

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