BREAKING NEWS: Why I Didn’t Shake Arteta’s Hands – Emery (The Whistler)

Breaking news from the touchline has ignited debate across the football world tonight, as Unai Emery addressed the moment everyone is talking about: his decision not to shake hands with Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta after the final whistle. What appeared to be a simple post-match gesture quickly became a headline, sparking speculation about tension, rivalry, and respect between the two managers.
Speaking shortly after the match, Emery was keen to clarify the situation, insisting the incident was neither personal nor provocative. “Football is an emotional game,” Emery said. “In that moment, emotions were very high. I needed time to cool down and reflect on the match before speaking to anyone.” According to Emery, the focus immediately after the whistle was on decisions, missed chances, and the intensity of a contest that pushed both teams to their limits.
Observers noted that Emery walked past Arteta without the customary handshake, a move instantly seized upon by cameras and social media. However, Emery stressed that the absence of a public gesture should not be mistaken for a lack of respect. “I respect Arteta a lot,” he explained. “We share ideas, experiences, and a deep understanding of the game. That respect doesn’t disappear because of one moment.”
Sources close to the situation confirmed that Emery and Arteta did speak privately after the match, away from the spotlight. That conversation, Emery suggested, mattered more than any symbolic act performed for the crowd. “Respect doesn’t always need an audience,” he said. “Sometimes it’s better expressed in calm words, not rushed gestures.”
The Whistler understands that the match itself played a key role in the incident. A series of contentious moments, combined with the pressure of the occasion, left emotions running high on both benches. Emery’s decision, then, was as much about self-control as it was about sincerity. “If I shake hands while still angry, that is not honest,” he added. “I prefer to wait.”
As the story continues to gather attention, Emery’s explanation offers a reminder of the human side of elite football. In an era where every movement is dissected as breaking news, a missed handshake can overshadow ninety minutes of tactical battle. For Emery, the message is clear: competition can be fierce without respect being lost, and not every headline tells the full story.