Boyhood Arsenal fan Lewis Hamilton revealed he shed a tear when the Gunners clinched the Premier League title.
Manchester City’s 1-1 draw against Bournemouth on Tuesday allowed Arsenal to secure the title with a game to spare, making Sunday’s finale at Crystal Palace the first lap of their victory parade.
The seven-time Formula One world champion, speaking ahead of this weekend’s Canadian Grand Prix, spoke of his early memories of supporting the club and his emotions at seeing them get over the line.
“Like for everyone, (I was) very emotional. I shed a tear,” he said.
“I was five years old, I used to play round Stevenage way, round the corner with friends. I was the only black kid in the area out of the kids I was playing with and I was trying to fit in.
“Everyone supported different teams – West Ham, Tottenham, Manchester ... I was bouncing around all these teams when I was like four or five years old depending on who I was with.
“I remember my sister – I messaged her the other day – she was walking me home and asked me who I supported and then gave me a dig in my arm and said ‘we have to support Arsenal’. We had a laugh yesterday about it.”
It is Arsenal’s first title in 22 years and came after a number of seasons where they failed to get over the line.
“We have had so many close moments and to finally get it was like ‘wow’,” Hamilton added.
“A lot of emotion came out for me and I’m sure for a lot of people.
“I’m so happy and proud of the team. Obviously Arsene (Wenger) was great. I think the direction they have gone in the past couple of years has been fantastic.
“Very inspired by what they have done. Think they can go from strength to strength from here.”
