Mikel Arteta’s career has taken quite a turn since joining Arsenal from Everton last summer – a surprise transfer in the eyes of some, and equally surprising for the man himself.
With the move to the Emirates, Arteta has gone through a change in position, as well as a shift in seniority, finding himself as one of the team’s oldest and most experienced players. After just one season he is the club’s vice-captain.
However, the Spaniard, speaking to Arsenal.com, says he is relishing the opportunity of joining a big club late in his career, and the new responsibilities it brings.
“I am still 30, and I’m used to playing with guys who are 34, 35 and 36, but at Arsenal when you get to that age you are one of the oldest, if not the oldest!” he joked.
After an impressive first season in which he was expected rather harshly to fill the creative boots of Cesc Fabregas, Arteta has been moved to a more defensive midfield role this season, one that he has adapted to seamlessly.
He explained: “It’s a very important job, balancing the team between attack and defence, and that’s what I’ve been attempting to do.
“I’ve had to change my mentality a little bit – I know that I can’t go forward as much as I used to, and I need to sacrifice more in attack – but if it’s beneficial for the team I’m more than happy to do it.
“If you want to play at a top-level club like Arsenal you have to adapt to different roles and situations. We’ve got so many attacking players now, with a lot of quality going forward, and I know I now have more defensive responsibility.
“I need to assume that responsibility to help my team-mates and I’m very pleased to do it if we get the right results.”