After 14 years, Arsenal are in the Champions League semi-finals! And after knocking out none other than European Champions, Real Madrid! After such a magnificent result, it’s no wonder Mikel Arteta was thrilled.”One of the best nights in my football career. We played against a team with the biggest history. It has been an inspiration for all of us on this competition,” the Spaniard said via Daily Mail.Real is worse than Luton! No ‘remontada‘ in Madrid, Arsenal are through!He was particularly asked to comment on Bukayo Saka’s failed “panenka” attempt – a moment that could have turned the tables, but luckily for the Gunners, it didn’t.”I would have liked to slap him! But the player has to make the decision, and he was bold enough to do it, and I was more concerned about the emotional part,” Arteta revealed jokingly.Mikel Arteta was not happy with Saka’s failed panenka from the penalty spot 😅 pic.twitter.com/xs2jjgwVeG— Sportstar (@sportstarweb) April 17, 2025 The 43-year-old strategist also disclosed that the morning before the game, he talked to none other than his former mentor, Pep Guardiola.”I called him (Guardiola) this morning because I am here thanks to him. As a player and a coach he has been an inspiration to me. I had four amazing years with him, and I will always be grateful to him,” he said.Arteta celebrating with Saka, Saliba, and Odegaard after the match (©Reuters/Lee Smith/Gallo Images)Finally, even though his team made a remarkable accomplishment, Arteta and Arsenal aren’t yet satisfied and want more.”It is just the third time in our history we have got this far so we need to build on that.We are hungry. We are a young team that are determined. All these experiences, including for myself, will help us to try and achieve something big,” he concluded speaking to TNT Sports as reported by Sky Sports.##NAJAVA_MECA_8859673##On the other hand, Arteta’s counterpart on Real Madrid’s bench, Carlo Ancelotti, wasn’t too talkative following the defeat, but he admitted the rivals were better.”Arsenal were better than us in both games. We tried everything in the tie. Arsenal defended well and we found it difficult to find space. In terms of intensity, we did better but it wasn’t enough,” the Italian said via Sports Illustrated.If Vinicius leaves, Haaland arrivesThe question of his eventual departure from Santiago Bernabeu was particularly intriguing to the media.”It could be this year or next year, when my contract runs out. The day I finish here I can only do one thing and that is to thank this club. It could be tomorrow, in 10 days or in a year and the only thing I will do is thank the club. I don’t care if my contract ends this year or next year,” stated Carletto.
