Hundreds of thousands of Arsenal fans join players in Premier League trophy parade

The players celebrated on an open-top bus alongside the gleaming Premier League trophy that the club had finally secured after Arsene Wenger's 'Invincibles' last claimed it in the 2003-04 season.

Arsenal had secured the Premier League title before the final game of the season when they held an insurmountable lead over second-placed Manchester City, who eventually finished seven points behind Mikel Arteta's side.

It was Arsenal's first trophy since Arteta won the FA Cup in his debut season as manager in 2020, with a dream finally realised for the club after finishing second three years in a row before this season.

Even Saturday's Champions League final defeat to Paris St Germain on penalties in Budapest could not dampen the fans' enthusiasm, with fireworks and vuvuzelas adding to the noise.

"We are not European champions but we are champions of England, which is what matters. So we are happy to celebrate with everyone," said Julien Guillenenat, a French Arsenal fan.

"I feel that we are going to be fine next season. I feel like a weight has been lifted off the shoulders and this season was like on a knife edge," Mathieu Garnier, a 44-year-old Arsenal fan, told Reuters.

"Three years in a row second and finally this pressure is behind us and these boys are going to be flying. I believe that."

The Arsenal women's team joined in the celebrations following their FIFA Champions Cup triumph this season.

'They are not laughing anymore'

Declan Rice, who was signed for a club-record fee of 105 million pounds ($141.32 million) in 2023, said the men's side had sent a message to those who mocked Arsenal in the past.

"They are pointing and they are laughing. And what happened? They are not laughing anymore. I love this team. I love this manager," Rice told Sky Sports.

"To see the joy we can give people is crazy. Next year, we are coming back for more."

Theo Grant, a 22-year-old Arsenal fan was confident the club would return to the Champions League final again next season.

"Honestly, it is going to give the players more motivation for next year. It is going to be the best part," Grant said.

"We are going to be in the final in Madrid next year. I am going to get my tickets!"