Mikel Arteta is “fully convinced” Arsenal can end their European drought after securing their first English league title in 22 years.
MIKEL Arteta is “fully convinced” Arsenal can be crowned champions of Europe for the first time this weekend after ending their 22-year wait for a Premier League title.
The Gunners face reigning European kings Paris Saint-Germain in Saturday’s Champions League final in Budapest after wrapping up their first Premier League title since 2004.
A star-studded Paris Saint-Germain, who thrashed Inter Milan 5-0 in last season’s final, are widely regarded as favourites to lift the European Cup once again.
But Arsenal manager Arteta believes the confidence gained by winning the Premier League will inspire the Gunners to upset 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 was speaking 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 former Everton and Arsenal midfielder Arteta. “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 for introducing 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.”
