Mikel Arteta defended Arsenal's celebrations after their Champions League semi-final win over Atletico Madrid, stating he will address the criticism appropriately. Arsenal will face Paris Saint-Germain in the final on May 30 in Budapest.
Key points
Mikel Arteta defended Arsenal's celebrations
Arsenal reached the Champions League final
They defeated Atletico Madrid 2-1 on aggregate
Final match against Paris Saint-Germain on May 30
Wayne Rooney criticized the celebrations
Mentioned in this story
Mikel ArtetaWayne Rooney
ArsenalAtletico MadridParis Saint-Germain
Mikel Arteta said he will put criticism of Arsenal's celebrations following their Champions League semi-final victory over Atletico Madrid "where it belongs".
Arsenal set up a Champions League final showdown against Paris Saint-Germain on May 30 in Budapest by completing a 2-1 aggregate victory over Atletico at a buoyant Emirates Stadium.
Arteta joined his players on the pitch after the final whistle as they celebrated reaching their first Champions League final since 2006 but the jubilant scenes prompted accusations over over-celebrating.
"They deserve to be in this position, but they haven't won it yet," said former Manchester United forward Wayne Rooney on Amazon Prime. "The celebrations are a little bit too much. Celebrate when you win."
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ARSENAL
Watch Ian Wright's reaction to the 'celebration police'. Credit: @IanWright0
Arteta laughed when the criticism of the so-called 'celebration police' was put to him on Friday. "First of all, I didn't know about it," he said. "You have to respect every opinion and place them where they belong."
Asked where he would place them, Arteta replied: "Where they belong. I don't know. That's not important."
Arteta insisted Arsenal would "deliver what they need to" when they face reigning champions Paris Saint-Germain but insisted his focus is firmly on their Premier League meeting with West Ham, live on Sky Sports on Sunday, as they bid to clinch the title.
Q&A
What did Mikel Arteta say about Arsenal's celebrations?
Mikel Arteta stated he would put the criticism of Arsenal's celebrations where it belongs, emphasizing that his players deserve to celebrate their achievement.
Who did Arsenal defeat to reach the Champions League final?
Arsenal defeated Atletico Madrid with a 2-1 aggregate victory to secure their place in the Champions League final.
When is the Champions League final between Arsenal and PSG?
The Champions League final between Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain is scheduled for May 30 in Budapest.
What was Wayne Rooney's opinion on Arsenal's celebrations?
Wayne Rooney criticized Arsenal's celebrations, suggesting they were excessive and that the team should only celebrate after winning the tournament.
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"We talked immediately after the game [on Tuesday] that this is great, what a moment, we earned it, and we will have time to prepare and get ready for that final," he said.
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Jamie O'Hara
Former Spurs player Jamie O'Hara was also critical of Arsenal's celebrations
"I was in a very high emotional state after the game because we knew what it meant to everybody - our supporters, players and the staff.
"But you have to believe me, my concentration, my focus and my energy was then on West Ham and we made that very clear.
"We have to stay present, live in the moment and show the same level of energy, hunger and desire that we've shown all season and more.
"We are closer and closer, and everything that we do now is going to matter as to whether we win it or not."
Arteta reveals Pep message
Speaking to exclusively to Sky Sports News, Arteta revealed he received a congratulatory message from Pep Guardiola after booking Arsenal's place in the Champions League final.
The pair, who worked together at Manchester City before Arteta's appointment at Arsenal, are vying for the Premier League title but their rivalry didn't stop Guardiola from reaching out.
Pep and Arteta
Image:
Pep Guardiola messaged Arteta after the win over Atletico
Asked by Sky Sports News' Dharmesh Sheth if mentors such as Guardiola, Mauricio Pochettino and David Moyes had sent messages, Arteta replied: "All of them have been in touch in a really beautiful way and I replied the same thing.
"They are a big part of this as well, because they have helped me to develop, to evolve, to learn from them. I feel a huge gratitude for that.
"I had hundreds of messages from a lot of people, from people that have been in my journey since I was little.
"Back home, from all the clubs, all the managers, obviously a lot of family and friends. It was special.
"You realise how much value a Champions League final has."
