After Arsenal’s final game of the season on Sunday, Mikel Arteta and Martin Odegaard addressed the fans, giving speeches on the pitch.
Following a resounding final-day win over Wolves, the Arsenal squad came back out onto the pitch for their traditional lap of appreciation to the fans.
But before that, Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard and manager Mikel Arteta spoke to the supporters over the loudspeakers.
Odegaard was up first, saying: “First of all, we are all a little disappointed after leading for so long and being so close to winning the league.
“At the same time, I think we have to look at all the good things we have done and the progress we have made, if we look back one year and see how far we have come.
“I am really proud of the team. We will look back at the good moments and we are ready to keep pushing.
“I’m so proud, it is such a big honour to represent this club and as captain as well, I feel so connected to this club, the supporters, and everyone. I love it.”
Then it was Arteta’s turn, but he initially struggled to get a word in, as the fans drowned him out with chants of “Super Mik Arteta”.
Mikel Arteta comes out to address the stadium but is unable to start because the fans are cheering his name over and over again. pic.twitter.com/gO10h2Lxvo
— Charles Watts (@charles_watts) May 28, 2023
When he eventually got to speak, Arteta thanked the supporters for helping everyone at the club to reconnect.
“Together we have reconnected the soul of this football club and the soul of this football club is you guys,” Arteta said.
“We know what is our destination to bring success, joy, and trophies to this club but in the meantime please enjoy the journey.
“Enjoy the company, I cannot be more grateful and feel more proud to have this journey with all of you. With the players and staff, everybody at the club.
“Thank you so much for your trust, thanks for your patience, and thank you for the unconditional love that you are showing to the team, staff, the club, and everybody that supports this football club.”
After those speeches, the players completed their lap of the pitch, applauding the fans and bringing their families out with them.
Arsenal have shared a video of that section of the post-match celebrations on the club website.
It was certainly nice for the fans to get a moment to connect with the players after the conclusion of the season, ahead of a couple of months without any competitive club football.
