Pep Guardiola says Arsenal pushed Manchester City to another level this season after his side claimed a historic fourth consecutive Premier League title.
City beat West Ham United 3-1 on the final day to finish two points clear of the Gunners. It is the second successive campaign in which City have taken top spot ahead of Arsenal.
“It was nice. Of course the first words are for Arsenal – Liverpool as well but especially Arsenal to bring us [up], to push another level,” Guardiola told Sky Sports.
“Before it was Liverpool who pushed us to our limits. Now it’s been [Arsenal] in these last two seasons, especially this one. It’s been an incredible season.
“We get the message, so I know [Arsenal] will be there for many years. Young manager, big talent and a young squad, a young team – they sent us a message [that] we have to be careful for the next years.
“Today is the day to celebrate it. If people [told] me, ‘In the next seven years you are going to win six Premier Leagues,’ I will say, ‘You are insane, it’s not going to happen.’ It happened.
“The Eighties belonged to Liverpool, with all the managers, and Graeme Souness, Ian Rush, all these players.
“Nineties was Alex Ferguson, Rio Ferdinand, Gary Neville, Ryan Giggs, David Beckham, [Paul] Scholes, Roy Keane. Of course, [Jose] Mourinho with Chelsea, and some others. Now it’s our period.”