Josh Kroenke acknowledged that “everyone and everything is allowed” at the celebration.
The Arsenal co-chairman was actually referring to how he and his father Stan had a “binge” of champagne when they toasted the club’s first title in 22 years at the Trophy Lift at Selhurst Park last Sunday. But in reality, Kroenke could have simply been referring to how supporters can understand what a win means for the club’s hierarchy.
Joy, dancing, and a sense of accomplishment were written on Josh and Stan Kroenke’s faces. It was truly amazing.
It would be no exaggeration to say that it was an eventful journey. Fans have been protesting against the American owners, expressing anger at their inclusion in the European Super League and their lack of ambition. Fast forward to the end of the 2025/26 season and they are on the brink of an incredible double. There will be an even bigger party if they win the Champions League in Budapest on Saturday.
Asked to reflect on the journey from the dark days of Super League to Sunday’s celebrations, Kroenke said: “When they were hanging us from lampposts? No, it’s part of the journey and we’re not proud to talk about it, but we’re not trying to hide from it.”
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“It was a moment of reflection. It was painful at the time, but it also brought me closer to the supporter base. At various points leading up to that moment, I had been in and around the supporter base.
“We’re all human, we all make mistakes. And it was an event on an epic scale that really stirred up a lot of emotions in people, but, well, we’re still human. We made mistakes. Can we sit down and talk about it?”
“Fortunately, at that point we were still in Covid-19, so I sat down and met with a lot of supporters from different supporter groups. And I say this lovingly, but luckily, it was under Covid-19 and I couldn’t have tomatoes thrown at me, so I was doing all this on screen.”
“It was fine from that standpoint! But we had a great conversation. I think we all looked into each other’s eyes. I hope they understand that I wasn’t just trying to give lip service.”
Arsenal co-chairman Josh Kroenke and Stan Kroenke are not always popular at the Emirates (Image: 2026 Getty Images)
Kroenke genuinely cared. A truly seminal moment came in the summer of 2019 when Arsenal fans wrote a letter of protest titled ‘We Care Do You?’ Kroenke took the criticism seriously and wrote a personal response that was as good as his word.
They appointed Mikel Arteta in December 2019 and Kroenke has a close bond and relationship with the Arsenal manager, they are in constant talks and supported the club with huge investments in the transfer market. They achieved this success.
“You know, I think it’s probably a ‘we value you’ moment,” he said. “That was a big moment for me because it was very intentional from a supporter’s point of view.
“And when I saw it, I understood. But I had already spent so much time and energy and emotion behind the scenes at that point.
“So I personally wrote a response to that letter, although I can’t remember exactly what was said, and the club responded at the time.
“The former chairman, Sir Chips Keswick, was a great mentor of mine. One day we went to lunch and I said, ‘Chips, you know, in America, sometimes you have to take a step back to move forward.’ And he smiled and said, ‘Oh my God, don’t get demoted!’
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Actions speak louder than words. Kroenke Jr. doesn’t come to every game, but he regularly attends practices and games. And when he’s not around, he’s glued to the TV at home in America.
“There were some big highs and some tough ones,” Kroenke said. “I watched a Wolves away game by myself at home. It was tough. That’s when you want to be with someone else, or at least talk to them.”
“Then there was an Everton game with Max Dauman, which was really fun because I was watching it and I had just adopted a puppy.”
“So when Max ran away, I scared the puppy and he jumped up and ran away. The dog peed on the floor right next to me at the things I said and yelled at the TV!”
Kroenke still remembers the joy of celebrating on the pitch at Selhurst Park and is moving on from a place where it was almost embarrassing to be an Arsenal fan… To become a champion.
Arsenal co-chairman Josh Kroenke and Arsenal’s Gabriel Magalhães lifting the Premier League trophy (Image: 2026 The Arsenal Football Club Plc)
“I drank quite a bit of champagne on Sunday, but there were a few culprits around with bottles and they were enjoying it. You know, in that moment I think everyone and everything is forgiven.”
“English champions sound pretty good and European champions might sound even better, especially with doubles involved. But we think we have an opportunity here. We have a very strong foundation to build on and continue to maintain.
“Usually laying the groundwork is the hardest part of the journey, but now it’s all in place: It’s about recognizing that everyone is trying to climb the mountain after you and trying to stay on top.”
“We knew we were a sleeping giant and we had to wake up somehow. There’s never been a team, a team like this in the social media era. Social media has evolved, the Twittersphere and everything around it has evolved.”
“Instant information, ‘banter era,’ I’m aware of all this. I turned 46 last week. I’ve grown up around this and seen everything from my perspective, and I think that’s what I’m very proud to see.”
“There was almost a time when you were a secret Arsenal fan. You were still a fan, but sometimes everyone was so above you that you were afraid to show your spirit.
“But when you see the emotion pouring out and it’s just coming here, there’s a guy on a bike cab wearing an Arsenal shirt. Now everyone’s flooding into London wearing all their Arsenal gear. I’m so proud to see that.”
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