Mikel Arteta Reflects on Champions League Heartbreak and Looks Ahead to Arsenal's Future
Mikel Arteta, manager of Arsenal, opened up about the lasting pain from the 2026 Champions League final defeat to Paris Saint-Germain. Despite finally claiming a Premier League title after 22 years, the Spaniard revealed that losing in Budapest still fuels his drive.
Budapest Penalty Shootout Leaves Deep Mark
Last May, Arsenal ended a long wait by winning the Premier League, breaking a sequence of three straight second-place finishes. Yet just 11 days later, the joy was tempered by a narrow loss on penalties against PSG in the Champions League final. The French team secured back-to-back European crowns, while the Gunners faced a painful near miss.
"I still have the scar, like Arsene says. I still have that poison in my veins," Arteta told The Athletic. "It has to stay there because that’s when you learn and that probably is going to be a massive driver for me and everybody."
New Contract Signals Commitment to Arsenal's Journey
Arteta expressed deep passion for the club as he signed a new deal keeping him at the Emirates until 2030. He called it a privilege to continue working with people dedicated to Arsenal's success and praised the club’s unique character.
"This club is unique, its character and the way it makes you feel, and I have a great sense of privilege that our journey together will continue," he said.
Long-Term Vision for Growth and Success
The new contract, reportedly worth nearly £20 million annually, confirms Arteta as the highest-paid manager in England’s top division. He is focused on building future squads and adapting to changes in the game, comparing progress to continuous software upgrades.
"How are we going to build the next three squads? Great. How the rules of the game are going to change us, and how we’re going to stay ahead of that to take advantage? Great," Arteta explained. "We have already built a special bond and created memories that will last a lifetime, and what is so exciting is that this is only the beginning of what we can achieve together."
Rebounding After Recent Setback
Before a recent international break, Arsenal suffered a heavy 3-0 loss to Brighton. They now prepare to face Leeds United in the Premier League, aiming to regain momentum in defending their title. Following that, attention shifts back to Europe where Lille will visit the Emirates for another Champions League test.
- Premier League: Arsenal vs Leeds United, 10 Oct 2026, 14:30
- Ligue 1: Paris Saint-Germain vs Le Mans, 10 Oct 2026, 21:45
