Arsenal were crowned Premier League champions after Manchester City dropped points at Bournemouth, with Pep Guardiola hailing Mikel Arteta’s side as ‘phenomenal’
Pep Guardiola showed his true colours with a classy message to rivals Arsenal after Manchester City saw their Premier League title hopes end.
Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal squad were crowned champions after City finally conceded the title race with a draw this evening (May 19).
The Gunners celebrated at their training ground following a late session, watching Bournemouth secure the title on their behalf.
Arsenal’s midfielder Declan Rice took to social media, posting: “I told you all.. it’s done.” The team celebrated with wild enthusiasm before posing for a team photo with a giant cardboard cut-out of the Premier League trophy.
Rice had previously stated that “it is not done” after Arsenal’s defeat at City last month, but the title was clinched when Guardiola’s men dropped points at Bournemouth.
This signifies a potential heart-wrenching goodbye for Guardiola, as reports suggest he is preparing to depart the Etihad after a decade in charge, following Sunday’s final home game against Aston Villa, reports the Mirror.
Guardiola extended his congratulations to his former assistant Arteta, who has guided Arsenal to their first title in 22 years. He said: “Congratulations to Mikel, congratulations to Arsenal, they have been phenomenal.
“We were close. On behalf of everyone at Manchester City, we congratulate Mikel and all the staff, players and fans on winning the Premier League. They deserve it.”
However, Guardiola remained tight-lipped about his future plans, adding: “I have one more year of my contract. I will talk to the chairman at the end of the season.
“I will not tell you here – I have to talk to my chairman, my players and my staff.I’m the happiest man in the world to be at this extraordinary club.
“I am the happiest man on the planet to be in this club. This club is extraordinary. “When we finish the season, we will talk and take a decision.””
Bournemouth’s boss Andoni Iraola, who has guided his team into European competition as his farewell gift, expressed: “At the beginning of the season you didn’t imagine it. It has been so nice and we have a chance to fight for the Champions League in the last game and we really deserve this, especially for the game we played so well.
“We have not won the game but it does not matter. I’ve enjoyed it so much, how we played and the personality we showed. We had great chances to score the second one and we wanted to win the game but I’ve enjoyed it.””