A message from our co-chair Josh Kroenke

Whatever happens between now and the final whistle today, I’m certain that this season will live long in our memories.

The football our teams have played has been a joy to watch and we can all rightly be proud of the progress and the direction of the football club. To be fighting for the Premier League title on the final day of the campaign is a testament to the hard work, drive and determination of everyone at the club. So, too, is the fact we reached the Champions League quarter-final for the first time in 14 years and made it back-to-back Champions League qualifications for the first time in seven years.

That said, what has arguably given many of us the greatest pleasure is the connection we’ve felt between us all. The noise and backing given to our players again this season has played a huge part in what we have achieved together. I know Mikel, Jonas and our players are truly grateful to everyone who has played a part in that.

While we are undoubtedly proud of the progress we have made, I want to be clear that no one at the club will stand still. However things finish today, we’re all working behind the scenes to move us forward – always forward – again.

There is so much that we want to achieve, both at home and in Europe, and we are focused on writing some exciting new stories and chapters that build on the history of Arsenal Football Club.

There have been so many stories and milestones across the season, shaped by so many of our players. We have all enjoyed seeing our summer signings flourish into being Arsenal players and we’re delighted that a number of players have committed to new contracts to keep this squad together, fighting on all fronts. We want to continue to forge that winning mentality that runs
so deeply throughout the club.

Of course, it isn’t only our men’s team who have made great strides this season. Winning the Continental Cup back-to-back and securing European qualification while continuing to be pioneers in the game, we are all so proud of our women’s team. To set three new attendance records and sell out Emirates Stadium twice is an incredible achievement. And there is so much more to come next season, with 11 women’s games planned for Emirates Stadium and a season where we’ll challenge for major trophies once again. Our sporting director, Edu, will continue to innovate and develop our men’s, women’s and academy football.

I cannot let today pass without a word for all our staff at the club who are the driving force behind so much of the Arsenal we know and love. So much of this would not be possible without their hard work and determination. We’ve spent some time together this week reflecting on this.

As many will know, our chief executive officer, Vinai Venkatesham leaves us in the summer. It has been such a pleasure working with Vinai, and we thank him for his contribution and commitment to the club over the past 14 years, wishing him well in his next step. Vinai will always be a good friend of mine and the club.

I’m delighted that our director of football operations, Richard Garlick, will replace Vinai and become our managing director. Rich has made such an enormous impact since joining the club in 2021. He is a really well-respected figure in football with vast experience of the game, and we’re excited to see him shape the future of the club in his new role.

We know the team will give it their all today and we will be proud of the season we’ve lived together. But whatever happens, there are exciting things ahead for us all.

Finally, on behalf of my father and I, I’d like to thank you all sincerely for your support. We wish you a great summer before we do it all again in August.

Josh Kroenke
Co-chair, Arsenal Football Club