Mikel Arteta has admitted Arsenal’s Champions League final defeat to Paris Saint-Germain still hurts, but insists the disappointment will drive him and his players to pursue further success.
The Gunners reached their first Champions League final in 20 years last season but suffered heartbreak against PSG, losing on penalties following a 1-1 draw in May.
Arteta, who signed a new four-year contract with Arsenal on Wednesday, has now opened up about the lasting impact of that defeat and his ambitions for the club.
Speaking to The Athletic, Arteta revealed that missing out on European football’s biggest prize remains a source of motivation.
The Spaniard referenced former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger, who famously described defeats as leaving scars on a manager’s heart.
“I still have the scar, like Arsene says,” Arteta said.
“I still have that poison in my veins. It has to stay there because that’s when you learn and that probably is going to be a massive driver for me and everybody.”
Arteta outlines Arsenal ambitions after new contract
Despite the disappointment, Arteta believes the experience can help his squad as they attempt to compete for more major honours.
The 44-year-old has already guided Arsenal to their first Premier League title in 22 years, ending a lengthy wait for domestic success.
However, he believes there is still considerably more to achieve at the Emirates.
“Globally, with our supporters? Great. How are we going to build the next three squads? Great. How the rules of the game are going to change us, and how we’re going to stay ahead of that to take advantage? Great,” he said.
“But this is going to happen if every single day we look after what we built. We make it a little bit better, like software that is upgrading and upgrading. When can it stop is infinite.
“It feels like it’s still a lot to do, and it’s just the beginning.”
Arsenal boss recalls moment he knew title was coming
Asked which match from his time in charge he would choose to experience again, Arteta selected Arsenal’s 1-0 win over West Ham during their title-winning campaign.
The controversial result moved the Gunners closer to securing the Premier League crown and left Arteta convinced that his side would finish the job.
“This is football elevated to its best version, when a journey, a moment that can change so many people’s lives, goes one way or the other,” he said.
“You just pray because you know if it goes the wrong side, probably it’s gone again.
“That day when I went home, I said, ‘We’re going to be champions. It is our year. This has happened for a reason, and we’re going to get it done.’”
Arsenal return to Premier League action on Saturday when they host Leeds in the early kick-off.
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