“It is mental!”, shares Siddharth Nair, expressing how the celebrations are taking place in London. The Bengaluru-based fan is currently in the city to witness Arsenal’s victory parade.
The 34-year-old is on top of the world as he is joining other fans from all over the world to witness the victory parade after Arsenal lifted the EPL 2026 cup at Selhurst Park, the home ground of Crystal Palace on Sunday. While they played their last game of the season there on May 24, they were already declared champions on May 19 after Manchester City drew against Bournemouth. The win comes after a long wait of 22 years, and Nair wanted to be there to witness it live.
Wanting to be in the midst of it all, Nair had booked his tickets after the Everton vs Manchester City game earlier this May. “I hedged my bets after the Everton draw against City. Booked my tickets the next day and then held my breath through every Arsenal game hoping to get across, West Ham (United) game borderline killed me.”
He adds, “I didn’t watch any City game because I got superstitious about them winning when I watch.” Maybe the stars aligned for Nair who applied for his visa many months ago and got it in April. “There is no chance I’m getting the final game tickets, Crystal Palace is going for Rs 8 lakh and too in the second hand market.”
Even though he won`t be witnessing the matches live, Nair is a superfan of another kind. He shares, “Before the trip, I have spent about Rs 1 – 2 lakh, which is good for a London trip, and also because flights are cheaper than usual because of the war.” Nair watched the last game at a pub and is going for the parade and screening of the Champions League final match against Paris St Germain (PSG) taking place in Budapest.
Being a true Gunner and fan, Nair plans to share his excitement with friends back home, especially after experiencing FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) the day it was declared Arsenal were winners. “I`ll broadcast it for everyone. It is crazy how every Arsenal fan I know woke up at 2 am that night to get it out of their system.”
