Gary Neville is presented with an Arsenal shirt by Josh Kroenke
Gary Neville is presented with an Arsenal shirt by Josh Kroenke (Image: The Overlap)
Arsenal co-owner Josh Kroenke and head coach Mikel Arteta have dubbed Gary Neville the club's "best supporter" in a tongue-in-cheek gift presented to the former Manchester United defender on camera. The north Londoners secured the Premier League title just over a week ago, when City failed to beat Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium. Arsenal's players had gathered to watch the match at the club's training ground, with jubilant celebrations erupting at the final whistle.
Arsenal brought a 22-year wait to an end on Saturday as they lifted the Premier League trophy following their 2-1 victory over Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park. The Overlap recorded a special Champions edition of their podcast at Arsenal's training ground. During Neville's conversation with Arteta, Kroenke appeared and handed a gift bag to the pundit.
Related articles
"On behalf of our entire club, we have a little present," he said. When Neville enquired whether he would enjoy it, Kroenke replied: "I think you'll love it, Gary."
Inside the bag were two Arsenal shirts bearing the names of Wright and Neville on the reverse. Both were signed by Arteta, with the inscription on Neville's reading: "Our best supporter."
Arteta then revealed: "Gary was here a few weeks ago, we spent some time together, we had a coffee, and we had a very good full discussion. So I gave him that shirt, and I said, when we win it please, you have to put it on.
"He didn't say yes, that was my suggestion, that's enough."
Neville replied with: "Thank you so much, that will get framed, it will go in my house, that. Thank you, you deserve it."
Kroenke (left) was present at Arsenal's trophy lift over the weekend
Kroenke (left) was present at Arsenal's trophy lift over the weekend (Image: Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
The gesture follows Neville facing some backlash from Arsenal supporters for supposedly celebrating Manchester City's triumph over Liverpool too enthusiastically, which increased pressure on the Gunners in the title battle.
Discussing their triumph, Arteta said: "It's been much better than I could ever imagine, it's been so emotional, so natural, and to see that much joy, happiness and pride around the club, it's just amazing.
"It's a lot of joy and relief, when you are able to take the club and make the right steps, and take it really close, it's great, but it's not what we're looking for, and I know at this club, that is not enough.
"So, to actually do it, it feels amazing and gives a lot of value to a lot of people who have contributed to achieve that.
"Personally, to be a part of delivering something that means so much after 22 years, it's just incredible."
EXPRESS SPORT ON FB! Get all the best sports news and much more on our Facebook page.