Mikel Arteta Confident Ahead of Champions League Final

Mikel Arteta believes Arsenal can make history this weekend by winning the Champions League for the first time after ending their long Premier League title drought.

Mikel Arteta says Arsenal will travel to Budapest full of belief ahead of Saturday’s Champions League final against reigning European champions Paris Saint-Germain. The Gunners head into the final after securing their first Premier League title since 2004, ending a 22-year wait for domestic glory.

Despite facing a powerful Paris Saint-Germain side that defeated Inter Milan 5-0 in last season’s final, Arteta remains confident his players can rise to the occasion and deliver a historic European triumph.

“You could sense the energy, you can sense the positivity and the confidence in the players and everybody around the club,” Arteta 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 Arsenal manager spoke during the League Managers Association’s annual awards dinner in London, where he received the Premier League Manager of the Year award following the club’s title-winning campaign.

“First of all, thank you so much for giving me this award,” said Arteta. “It’s an immense honour. You’re related to some of the great managers and all the colleagues that are in this room.”

The Spaniard reflected on Arsenal’s journey in recent seasons, admitting the club had previously come close to major success before finally lifting the Premier League trophy.

Arteta also thanked several figures who influenced his managerial career, including Everton manager David Moyes, who brought him to English football in 2005. He further praised his coaching staff, describing them as “instrumental” in the club’s progress and success.

Do you think Arsenal can complete their remarkable season by defeating Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League final?