Mikel Arteta was tending to a barbecue in his back garden when Arsenal secured their first Premier League crown in over two decades.
The Gunners boss chose not to watch Manchester City's crucial match against Bournemouth on Tuesday evening, instead stepping away from the television while his family followed the action indoors.
When the final whistle confirmed City's 1-1 draw had handed Arsenal the title, his eldest son Gabriel burst through the garden door in tears.
"My oldest son opened the garden door, ran towards me, started to cry, gave me a hug and said: 'We're champions Daddy,'" Arteta recalled on Thursday.
His wife and two other sons joined them moments later, creating what Arteta described as a magical family scene.
The 44-year-old admitted on Thursday that self-doubt had plagued him during Arsenal's pursuit of silverware.
"I've asked that question to myself: am I good enough to lead these players to win a major trophy? Until you do it, you cannot validate yourself," he said.
Having finished second for three consecutive seasons, the Spaniard spoke of experiencing vulnerability alongside the joy and happiness of finally lifting the trophy.
"There is a lot of emotion, joy, happiness, being proud. And as well, relief," Arteta acknowledged.
The Arsenal squad partied at their London Colney training facility | GETTYArteta had initially planned to join his squad and coaching staff at the club's Colney training base to watch the decisive fixture.
However, roughly twenty minutes before kick-off, he realised he needed to leave.
"I couldn't bring the energy that I wanted," he explained.
The manager felt strongly that the occasion belonged to his players, allowing them to experience the moment together without his presence altering the atmosphere.
"It was their moment to be together, watch it themselves and just see what the outcome would be," Arteta said.
He expressed no regrets about his decision, believing his attendance would have changed the dynamic of the celebration.
Shortly before the campaign began, Arteta gathered his squad around an olive tree he had planted at the training ground following his appointment in December 2019.
Arsenal fans celebrated outside the Emirates after winning the Premier League title | REUTERSWithout any staff present, he urged his players to recognise their collective potential and commit fully to their individual roles.
"Once they realised that, I think we went to a different level," the manager reflected.
Arsenal's attention now shifts to Budapest, where they face Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League final next Saturday.
"Now, of course, you want more," Arteta declared, "and we have the biggest one to play in Budapest in a few days."