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Pep Guardiola has made a stunning revelation on the reason why Mikel Arteta left Manchester City to take the Arsenal job.
THE LOWDOWN: IMPRESSIVE ARTETA
The Spaniard made 150 appearances for Arsenal between 2011-2016 and captained the Gunners in his time at the Emirates, before he became manager in December 2019.
Upon his return to the Emirates, Arteta helped Arsenal to clinch the FA Cup and Community Shield in his first few months in charge of the side.
However, the Gunners missed out on European football the following season before making a return last term.
But things have been different this season, with the North London outfit leading the Premier League with five points ahead of Guardiola’s Manchester City at the halfway point.
THE LATEST: GUARDIOLA’S REVELATION
Pep Guardiola has said he always knew about Mikel Arteta’s love for Arsenal when the pair worked together at Manchester City.
Arteta spent more than three years as Guardiola’s assistant at the Etihad between 2016-2019, with the club winning two Premier League titles during their time together.
Manchester City and Arsenal face off in the FA Cup fourth round on Friday and both managers have been speaking with utmost respect for each other.
And speaking ahead of the clash, Guardiola revealed he always knew Arteta was passionate about his former club and explained how he wouldn’t celebrate when City scored against the Gunners.
“I know he went to his club,'” he told his pre-match press conference.
‘The team he dreams of.”
“He’s a supporter, he was a captain there. He loves the club. I remember here when we scored goals he jumped a lot except against one team.”
“He was sitting there – it was Arsenal. I said “that guy likes Arsenal”. Like here, if I’m training as assistant and Barcelona call me, I go.”
He added: “I said many times to my players and staff. We felt if one team could offer him a role as manager he’d leave.
“I’m not a guy to say “stay with me”. Everyone has dreams. People have to fly when they believe it is the best.
‘To players, if they are not happy, they have to leave , life is too short.”
THE VERDICT: PASSIONATE ARTETA
It is quite evident that he truly loves the club. His mannerisms on the touchline pretty much sums that up and it should be seen as a positive rather than a negative approach.
The Spaniard is very much interested in the project and should spend a couple of years at the Emirates managing the side.
