Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has revealed that the pain of losing the Champions League final to Paris Saint-Germain still lingers, becoming an unhealed emotional scar even months after his side's Premier League triumph. The Spaniard has secured his future with the north London club through a new contract lasting until 2031, but the European setback continues to fuel his ambitions.
Reflecting on the words of his former boss, Arsene Wenger, Arteta opened up about the emotional toll of missing out on European silverware:
I still have that scar, as Arsene says. That poison still flows in my veins. And it should remain there because it's in moments like these that you learn, and it will likely be a powerful driving force for me and for everyone in the team.
The Spaniard also looked back on the dramatic conclusion to a 22-year wait for the championship title in England, during which the Gunners broke the resistance of his former club, Manchester City. Arteta labelled the long-awaited triumph as a moment that everyone involved will cherish for the rest of their lives.
In addition, the Arsenal boss revealed his unconventional methods for maintaining psychological freshness and team spirit—from his therapy dog named Vin to magicians and developmental games right in the club's dressing room.
When discussing the atmosphere within the squad, Arteta highlighted:
This club has a special aura. It has an energy that draws you in, seeps inside, captivates you, and stays with you forever. You can feel that we still have a lot to accomplish, and this is just the beginning of the journey.
