Arteta signed contract from a 140-year-old Arsenal box

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta signed his new contract using a 140-year-old antique writing desk box tied to the club's founding in 1886, in a ceremony arranged by CEO Richard Garlick.

The wooden box was originally presented to Elijah Watkins, one of Arsenal's founding figures, who served as secretary of both the Dial Square Cricket Club and the newly formed football section. It was given to him to mark his contribution to the season and support his future work with both clubs.

The club's origins trace back to October 4, 1886, when members of the Dial Square Cricket Club — a works team within the Royal Arsenal Ordnance in Woolwich — gathered at the Prince of Wales public house in Plumstead Common. At that meeting, attended by first club captain David Danskin, it was agreed to add a football section to the cricket club, giving birth to Arsenal Football Club.

Watkins later organised Arsenal's first-ever match, a 6-0 victory over Eastern Wanderers on December 11, 1886. The only known record of that fixture comes from his own account.

Garlick said: "We are so connected to our roots and it was special for us to be able to present Mikel his new contract with a nod to a real piece of Arsenal heritage."

"The moment was one of connection to our past, present and future. As we look ahead, it is important that we continue to uphold the values and traditions that have been a hallmark of the club throughout our history."

The box, which opens into a sloped writing surface, remains in Arsenal's possession as a piece of memorabilia from the club's genesis.