Arteta adamant English title can inspire Arsenal to Champions League glory

AFP | London

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Mikel Arteta is “fully convinced” Arsenal can be crowned champions of Europe for the first time this weekend after ending their 22- year wait for a Premier League title.

The Gunners face reigning European kings  Paris Saint-Germain in Saturday’s Champions League final in Budapest after wrapping up their first Premier League title since 2004.

A star-studded Paris Saint - Germain, who thrashed  Inter Milan  5-0 in last season’s final, are widely regarded as favourites to lift the European Cup once again.

But Arsenal manager Arteta believes the confidence gained by winning the Premier League will inspire the Gunners to upset the odds.

“You could sense the energy, you can sense the positivity and the confidence in the players and everybody around the club,” he said.

“We have an amazing opportunity to write new history in our football club, and we are convinced that we’re going to do it.

“We will fly to Budapest on Thursday fully convinced that in a few days’ time we can be champions of Europe.”

The 44-year-old Spaniard was speaking at the League Managers Association’s annual awards dinner in central London on Tuesday, where he was named Premier League manager of the year.

“First of all, thank you so much for giving me this award,” said former  Everton and Arsenal midfielder Arteta. “It’s an immense honour. You’re related to some of the great managers and all the colleagues that are in this room.