Mikel Arteta says he is “fully convinced” Arsenal can become champions of Europe for the first time this weekend, following their Premier League title triumph that ended a 22-year wait.
Arsenal face reigning European champions Paris Saint-Germain in Saturday’s UEFA Champions League Final in Budapest, with the Gunners aiming to complete a remarkable season double.
The London club secured their first Premier League title since 2004 earlier this season, restoring belief at the Emirates and setting up a high profile European showdown against a PSG side that dominated last year’s final with a 5-0 win over Inter Milan.
Despite PSG’s status as favourites, Arteta believes Arsenal’s domestic success has given his squad the confidence needed to challenge for Europe’s biggest prize.
“You can feel the energy, the positivity and the belief around the team and the club,” Arteta said.
“We have an incredible opportunity to write new history. We are convinced we can do it, and we will go to Budapest fully believing we can become champions of Europe.”
The Arsenal manager spoke at the League Managers Association awards in London, where he was named Premier League Manager of the Year after guiding his side through a breakthrough campaign.
He described the title-winning season as the culmination of a long project that included setbacks and near misses before finally delivering silverware.
“It has been a long journey. We came close before and fell short, but winning it this time made it even more special,” he said.
Arteta also paid tribute to former Everton manager David Moyes for his early influence on his career in English football, and credited his coaching staff for their role in Arsenal’s progress.
As Arsenal prepare for the biggest match of their recent history, belief remains central to their approach. For Arteta, the message is clear: domestic success has laid the foundation, and now Europe is the final step.
