Josh Kroenke, co-owner of Arsenal Football Club, has spoken candidly about the long journey from being reviled by fans to lifting the Premier League trophy with manager Mikel Arteta. In an interview with The Independent's Miguel Delaney, Kroenke reflected on the tumultuous period that followed the family's takeover in 2018.
At the time, the Kroenkes faced intense scrutiny over their perceived disconnection from the club and its supporters. The situation was so dire that effigies of the family members were hung from lampposts outside the Emirates Stadium.
However, under the guidance of Arteta, who took over as manager in 2019, Arsenal underwent a remarkable transformation. The team's on-field success, coupled with Arteta's commitment to fostering a sense of community and connection with the fans, helped to shift the narrative around the Kroenkes.
'We've worked incredibly hard to try to understand the club, to understand the fans, to understand the history, and to understand the culture,' Kroenke said. 'We're not perfect, but we've made some significant strides in the right direction.'
Kroenke's comments come as the Premier League season draws to a close, with Arsenal securing their first top-flight title since 2004. The club's success has been built on a strong squad, excellent team cohesion, and a renewed sense of purpose.