‘I cannot be happier’ – Arteta reacts to Arsenal’s Champions League feat

Arsenal coach has showered encomiums on his players for leading club to their first Champions League final in 20 years following a 1-0 victory over Atletico Madrid.

The Gunners produced a gritty performance to earn a 2-1 aggregate victory which sealed their place in the final for the first time since 2006.

Bukayo Saka was the hero with the only goal in the 44th minute to lead his boyhood club past Atletico Madrid and into an historic final in Budapest on May 30.

Arteta said he was proud of his players for their gallant efforts in the tie while also praising every member of the club.

He said: “I cannot be happier, prouder for everybody that is involved in this football club. We have all been so aligned on the desire and ambition that we had.

“The atmosphere, our support has created the energy, the way he managed every ball with us, they made it special and unique, I never felt that in the stadium.

“We knew how much it meant to everybody, we put everything, the boys did an incredible job and after 20 years and a second time in our history, we are back in the Champions League final.”

The Spanish manager was impressed with the fans’ connection with the team against Atletico Madrid while also opening up on his selection.

Read Also: Arsenal pip Atletico to reach first Champions League final in 20yrs

Arteta said: “That box is ticked now, now we have to maintain it.

“But now we go to the level that I think a top club that wants to be fighting consistently for the highest trophies. That’s a must and we’ve got it. Now we have to maintain it.”

Arteta opted to field the same lineup that defeated Fulham 3-0 on Saturday and he opened up on his decision.

He concluded: “If you see my iPad, the amount of lineups that I’ve done.

“And put it, changed it, turned it again, what about this, the freshness, possible subs, we do this.

“At the end it was my gut feeling. I had such a good feeling for what I saw a few days ago against Fulham.

“To do that was painful, it’s always difficult to leave important players out because they all want to be involved and start these kind of games.

“You saw all the finishers, the manner that they went into the pitch and how much they helped the team.”

The victory means Arsenal have also equalled their club record for most wins in a single season.

They have now won 41 games across all competitions, matching the 55-year-old record set in the 1970-71 season.

The Gunners will be back in action against West Ham on Sunday at the London Stadium.