Mikel Arteta has revealed he rang Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola to thank him after the Cherries drew with Manchester City to hand Arsenal the Premier League title.
Bournemouth’s 1-1 draw with the Cityzens on Tuesday confirmed Arsenal as Premier League winners for the first time since 2004. The result also confirmed Bournemouth’s place in Europe for the first time in their history.
Arteta and Iraola have been friends since childhood and the Arsenal manager said he phoned his compatriot for helping the Gunners get over the line in the title race.
“I didn’t message him, I rang him. I called him yesterday, firstly to congratulate him on the incredible job he has done with Bournemouth,” Arteta said at his pre-match press conference, ahead of facing Crystal Palace on the final day.
“I told him he almost took the Premier League away from us and then helped us to win it on the last week! I rang him to show my admiration towards him and wish him the best in the next chapter of his career, which I’m sure is going to be very successful.”
