Josh Kroenke has opened up about Arsenal's transformation from the 'banter era' to Premier League champions, admitting that fan criticism and the European Super League controversy were painful but necessary parts of the journey. The co-chairman, speaking after the club's first league title in 22 years, acknowledged that the protests and backlash brought him closer to the supporter base.
Reflecting on the Super League debacle, Kroenke said: 'When they were hanging us from lampposts? No, that was part of the journey and it’s one that while we’re not proud to talk about, we’re not trying to hide from it. It was a moment of reflection and even though it was painful at the time, it brought me closer to the supporter base as well.' He added that he held virtual meetings with fan groups during the pandemic, joking that it was fortunate they could not throw tomatoes at him.
Kroenke highlighted a key turning point in 2019 when fans penned a letter titled 'We Care Do You?' He personally wrote the response and has since backed manager Mikel Arteta with significant investment. 'That was a big moment for me because that was very deliberate from a supporter standpoint,' he said. 'I had already had so much time and energy and emotions invested behind the scenes.'
The co-chairman also shared personal moments from the season, including watching a tough Wolves defeat alone and celebrating Max Dowman's goal against Everton, which startled his new puppy. With Arsenal now on the brink of a potential Champions League triumph in Budapest, Kroenke described the trophy lift at Selhurst Park as a moment of pure joy, saying 'everyone and everything is forgiven' when doused in champagne alongside his father Stan.
