Arsenal's board have issued a statement following a brilliant season for the club. Coming off the back of a 5-0 hammering of Wolverhampton Wanderers, the players and staff ended the year as they had spent most of the campaign: in top form.
Goals from Granit Xhaka - on his expected final game for the club - Gabriel Jesus, Jakub Kiwior and Bukayo Saka, secured an emphatic victory for a day of celebration, appreciation and farewells. After the match an emotional Mikel Arteta said: "I’m a human being. I have feelings.
"It was really nice the way they transmitted their love and support to the team, to every player, and obviously to me as well. It’s been a really emotional year and a very special season. The team and our people deserved to end it in a good way so I’m really happy."
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He added: "It was one of my big dreams to connect again with the soul of this football club – that’s our people. We have done that and there’s no discussion about it. That makes me really proud and grateful to be part of that journey together.
"We want to deliver together success, and the destination has to be trophies and success for this club. But we have to enjoy the journey together and especially the company. I said it especially there because we have special people in this club, an incredible group of players and an amazing support.
"That has to be enjoyed because at the end it’s about winning or not winning the margin, but you cannot underestimate those other things. I think if we don’t do it then we will regret it."
Although it looked like more than just a second placed finish would be on the cards for much of the season, Arsenal accept that they were not expected to be in the title race this season when they started back in August. Their progress has been quicker than many foresaw and while that is a positive, it also throws up new challenges for the summer ahead.
The Gunners have the added task of factoring in a first Champions League campaign in six years as well as new, lofty projections for the 2023/24 season. It is a time of reflection, for now, and executive vice chair, Tim Lewis, has issued a statement on behalf of the board.
"It's been a brilliant season with many important moments and memories made in an extraordinary Emirates atmosphere the like of which we have never experienced here," he wrote.
"60,000 supporters have sung a new anthem and generated an energy which connects with our players and drives them on. Something special has been restored and shared by Gooners here and across the world.
"Sincere thanks go to everyone connected to the club - from our owners to all supporters - for the unstinting support you have given our teams and staff throughout the season. We'll reset this summer and, with the resolute support we have from Stan and Josh, strengthen to go again next season."
Lewis, a lifelong Arsenal fan and worker with Kroenke Sports and Entertainment throughout their ownership of the club, was appointed in a new role in March as a backroom reshuffle was announced. Stan Kroenke's son, Josh, was given more responsibility, appointed co-chair.
It has coincided with a more streamlined approach on and off the pitch as the club work with recruitment expert Edu Gaspar. The statement continues: "Everyone is delighted to see our men’s team back in the Champions League and recognises we must rise to that challenge. We are looking forward to being back together again for Tuesday and Wednesday nights under the lights.
"May I also say the Board recognises the sterling efforts of all our people at the club. Everyone has worked so hard with a collective passion to move us forward in every way. While the focus is so often on the managers, coaches and players, the energy, positivity and commitment that our people bring with them every single day in all they do is remarkable and appreciated. The spirit and energy of the club has been transformed.
"As a final note, the Board applauds our away supporters, who have followed our teams everywhere in maximum numbers and volume around the country and in Europe this season. You always make your presence felt, and it is so appreciated by the management and our players.
"Have a great summer. We look forward to welcoming you all at Emirates Stadium again in August and, before that, seeing many of our US-based supporters and those who can travel, at our pre-season tour."
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