Pep Guardiola's message to Arsenal's title heroes speaks volumes about the Manchester City boss. Arsenal were crowned Premier League champions for the first time in 22 years after Guardiola's Manchester City could only manage a draw away to Bournemouth.
Heartbreaking Farewell for Guardiola
Mikel Arteta's Arsenal heroes were crowned champions after Manchester City finally surrendered the title race. The Arsenal squad celebrated at the club's training ground after a late session, watching Bournemouth secure the title for them. Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice posted on social media: 'I told you all.. it's done.' They celebrated amid wild scenes and lined up for a team picture with a giant cardboard cutout of the Premier League trophy. Rice had insisted that 'it is not done' after Arsenal lost at City last month, but clinched it after Guardiola's men dropped points at Bournemouth.
It means a heartbreaking farewell for Guardiola, with the City boss preparing to leave the Etihad after ten years in charge following Sunday's final home game against Aston Villa.
Guardiola's Congratulations
Guardiola sent his congratulations to his former assistant Arteta, who has led Arsenal to their first title in 22 years. He said: 'Congratulations to Mikel, congratulations to Arsenal, they have been phenomenal. We were close. On behalf of everyone at Manchester City, we congratulate Mikel and all the staff, players and fans on winning the Premier League. They deserve it.'
But Guardiola refused to reveal his future plans and added: 'I have one more year of my contract. I will talk to the chairman at the end of the season. I will not tell you here – I have to talk to my chairman, my players and my staff. I'm the happiest man in the world to be at this extraordinary club. This club is extraordinary. When we finish the season, we will talk and take a decision.'
Bournemouth's Triumph
Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola has led his club into Europe as his parting gift and said: 'At the beginning of the season you didn't imagine it. It has been so nice and we have a chance to fight for the Champions League in the last game and we really deserve this, especially for the game we played so well. We have not won the game but it does not matter. I've enjoyed it so much, how we played and the personality we showed. We had great chances to score the second one and we wanted to win the game but I've enjoyed it.'
