MIKEL ARTETA has sent a message to Arsenal fans ahead of the club’s final Premier League game of the season.
The Gunners are set to finish second in the table following an intense title race against Manchester City, who cemented their spot at the top last weekend.
But despite falling short of silverware this season, Arteta has heaped praise on his players for their efforts.
In a touching video posted on all of Arsenal’s social media pages, the Spaniard said: “Throughout my time here, I saw our club returning.
“Returning to a feeling we have all missed, because there is something special behind us. This is togetherness.
“So I want to thank you – all of you. Thank you to our players, who faced the season with passion and determination. When I watch our men and women training every single day, I can feel how much they want to deliver for this football club.
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“Thank you to everyone working alongside them. All together, doing what they believe is right. You cannot imagine how much it helps the players, how much belief it gives them.”
Arteta was also keen to applaud Arsenal fans for their support over the last nine months.
He added: “And thank you to all our supporters, everywhere. Without you, it doesn’t make any sense what we do. You are our energy, you are living the game with us. You always have been in our attitude, in our self-belief. In the demands that push each other to seek excellence.
“So that’s what we all must do. Demand more from each other. Support each other. Be connected in every action, in every win, in every single ball.
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“Now we focus on what’s in front, and if we keep moving forwards, we can achieve anything. Because we know what’s behind this club, behind this feeling.
“This is our Arsenal.”
The video, which follows Arteta as he walks around an empty Emirates Stadium, generated an overwhelming response from Arsenal fans, with many claiming that it made them emotional.
One person tweeted: “Crying watching this…”
Another simply added: “Goosebumps.”
A third wrote: “No word of a lie I welled up at this, totally welled up….”
A fourth claimed: “This man transformed our club just like how Arsene Wenger did. This season, we can proudly say we’ve got our Arsenal back.”
While another added: “Who is cutting onions?”
Arsenal spent over 90 per cent of the season at the top of the Premier League table before they were overtaken by Man City.
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The Gunners now sit eight points adrift of the league champions going into the final day.
Arteta’s side face Wolves at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
