Arteta ‘built a fire’ instead of watching Arsenal’s Premier League crowning

Arsenal will lift the Premier League trophy for the first time since 2004 after Sunday’s match at Crystal Palace.Anxious Arsenal fans around the world ‌were glued to their screens when Manchester City’s draw at Bournemouth crowned the North London club as Premier ⁠League champions – but Mikel ⁠Arteta, who led Arsenal to their first league title in 22 years, was not watching.The manager had planned to be at Arsenal’s training centre in London Colney to watch the game with ⁠his players, but could not find the energy to make the trip, and chose to stay at home.Recommended Stories list of 4 itemslist 1 of 4Germany make Neuer first-choice World Cup keeper to cap retirement U-turnlist 2 of 4Sadio Mane, Kalidou Koulibaly star picks in Senegal’s World Cup squadlist 3 of 4Neymar set to shake off injury scare to play for Brazil at World Cuplist 4 of 4Iran World Cup squad members apply for US, Canada visas in Turkiyeend of list“I went outside to the garden, I started to build some fire. I started to do some barbecue, I didn’t watch any ⁠of it,” Arteta told reporters on Thursday.After finishing second three times in a row, Arteta heard the news of their long-awaited triumph from his eldest son, Gabriel, who plays for Arsenal’s Under-18 side.“My eldest son opened the garden door, he started to run towards me. He started to cry, gave me a hug and said, we are champions, daddy,” Arteta said.“Then ‌my other two boys and my wife came over, and it was beautiful, just to see the joy on them as well.”Videos shared by Arsenal on social media showed players dancing and chanting at their training centre after their league title was confirmed with a game to spare.“It was their moment. And they have to be themselves in that moment. And if I’m there, I think it wasn’t going to be the same,” Arteta said.Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard called Arteta soon after, asking where the manager was.“I said, guys, enjoy for a while and ⁠see you in a few hours somewhere in London,” Arteta recalled with a smile.Arteta questioned whether he could lead Arsenal to EPL titleIt is Arteta’s first league title as manager, and he admitted that he doubted himself during a high-pressure campaign, where they were often a slip-up away from losing their lead in the title race.