'One of the best feelings I've ever had' – Arteta revels in Premier League title

Mikel Arteta says it is "incredible" and "one of the best feelings I have ever had" to be called a Premier League champion.

Arsenal secured the title with a game to spare, after their 1-0 win over Burnley on Monday was followed by Manchester City dropping points in a 1-1 draw with Bournemouth.

It means that Arsenal will lift the trophy for the first time since 2003-04, ending a 22-year wait – it is the longest gap between top-flight titles since Liverpool's 30 years between 1989-90 and 2019-20.

In the history of the English top-flight since 1888, only Manchester United and Liverpool (20 each) have won more titles than Arsenal's 14, with 10 of those coming before the start of the Premier League.

The Gunners will head into their final-day meeting with Crystal Palace knowing the pressure is off, and Arteta is basking in the achievement.

"It's incredible to hear them [words], especially when you consider the journey they've been on, the way they've done it, and how many people have been involved and waiting so long to achieve that goal," Arteta said.

"You probably don't realise it. It's one of the best feelings I've ever had. I was supposed to be at the training ground, watching the game with the boys and the staff because that's what they wanted – but I couldn't.

"I think 20 minutes before the game, I had to leave. I couldn't bring the energy that I wanted, and ultimately, it was their moment to watch it together and be themselves.

"I went home, I went outside to the garden and had a BBQ, and I didn't watch any of it. I was just hearing some noises in the living room, and suddenly the magic happened.

"My eldest son opened the garden door, started to run towards me, gave me a hug and said: 'We are Champions, daddy!' It was beautiful."

Arsenal have won this season's Premier League with 82 points, while victory on Sunday at Palace would see them surpass Liverpool's total of 84 points from last season.

The Gunners are one of just two sides to win a top-flight title in eight different decades alongside Liverpool.

Arteta was also asked if he had spoken to compatriot Andoni Iraola since the title was confirmed.

"I didn't message him, I rang him!" Arteta said. "I called him yesterday, firstly to congratulate him on the incredible job he has done with Bournemouth.

"I told him he almost took the Premier League away from us [Arsenal lost 2-1 to Bournemouth in April] 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."