EPL Title Win Can Inspire Us To Champions League Glory —Arteta

Mikel Arteta is “fully convinced” that Arsenal can become European champions for the first time after ending a 22‑year wait for a Premier League title.

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

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

But Arteta believes the confidence gained from winning the Premier League will inspire the Gunners to defy the odds.

“You could sense the energy, the positivity and the confidence in the players and everyone around the club,” he said (via France 24). “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 spoke at the League Managers Association’s annual awards dinner in central London on Tuesday, where he was named Premier League manager of the year.

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“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.”