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Tuesday night marked a historic moment for Arsenal. Despite every player and staff member of the north London club gathering around a television at the Sobha Training Center, the Gunners etched their name in history, securing their first Premier League championship in 22 years.
Manchester City could only manage a 1–1 stalemate against Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium, leaving the title contenders four points adrift of Arsenal at the top of the table, making it mathematically impossible for the Citizens to close the gap before the season's conclusion.
The celebrations that followed featured flowing champagne, rousing renditions of Queen's "We are the Champions" and joyful embraces; yet amid the festivities, there was no shortage of praise directed at the manager who guided the squad to the top. Arsenal players, both current and former, lauded Mikel Arteta for his tactical brilliance, unwavering belief in the team's vision and, above all, for delivering them ultimate glory.
Here are some of Arsenal's former stars who were the most vocal in their praise.
Dani Ceballos
The 29-year-old midfielder was among the first to publicly congratulate Arteta. Dani Ceballos spent two stints with Arsenal, arriving on loan from Real Madrid in 2019. He returned for a second spell the following season (2020–21), having quickly built a strong rapport with Arteta, who had taken charge of the club the previous winter in December 2019.
He contributed two goals and six assists across 77 appearances for the Gunners. He has since returned to Real Madrid, where he remains under contract through June 2027.
"Congratulations to Arsenal, the players and the fans for winning the league title," he wrote on X on Tuesday night.
"Especially to Mikel Arteta. You always believed in the club and worked harder than anyone to achieve this. You deserve it, boss."
Granit Xhaka
The former Arsenal skipper and Swiss international also spoke glowingly of Arteta following the title triumph. Granit Xhaka joined Arsenal in 2016 from Borussia Mönchengladbach and spent seven years at the club, departing after the 2022–23 campaign having amassed 23 goals and 29 assists in 297 appearances.
The 33-year-old midfielder currently plays for Sunderland, where he holds a prominent role in the starting lineup, much like the responsibility he carried in north London.
"A special team, great players, and a club that never stopped believing, but this is all because of you, Mikel," he posted on his Instagram story, alongside a photo of himself embracing Arteta.
"To everyone who doubted you, give this man and this coach the respect he deserves. Congratulations to the whole Arsenal family."
Ian Wright
Can you spot an Arsenal legend? 👀 @IanWright0 ❤️ pic.twitter.com/ievLkcjyMR
The former Arsenal striker-turned-English media personality was effusive in his praise for Arteta's achievement. Ian Wright spent seven seasons at Arsenal, initially signing in 1991 and wrapping up his time at the club in 1998, well before Arteta ever wore the red and white.
Wright served as the club's leading scorer for six consecutive seasons, netting an impressive 23 goals in First Division play during both the 1993–94 and 1996–97 campaigns. He made 296 total appearances for Arsenal across all competitions.
"What can I say, Mikel," Wright told Stan Sport. "Unbelievable. For what he's done. Almost visionary what he's done.
"He came in and turned everything around, got the owners on the [same] side, got the fans on side, got players out and players in. Stuck to his principles. It's amazing."
Matthew Upson
The former Arsenal centre-back also offered his admiration for Arteta. Matthew Upson, now 47, featured for Arsenal between 1997 and 2003 after launching his career at Luton Town in Bedfordshire. He contributed to six clean sheets across 34 Premier League appearances during his six seasons at the club.
"Arteta has been desperate for it, it's a big body of work to get them to this place," Upson told BBC Radio 5 Live. "I'm very happy for him in particular.
"He has stamped his identity on the football club and was confident enough, brave enough and bold enough to go into that process. There's been bumps along the way, and this season, but the group has overcome it.
"The strength of the squad has been unmatched in terms of depth and quality. Credit to the manager for utilizing it right and getting the job done."