Pep Guardiola Responds To Rumours Of Mikel Arteta Leaving For Arsenal
Posted by Jordan Clarke | Published on 14/05/2018
Pep Guardiola has revealed he will not try to persuade Mikel Arteta to stay at Manchester City if he wishes to leave the Premier League champions to take over from Arsène Wenger at the Emirates.
Arteta, part of Guardiola’s title-winning coaching staff, is said to be one of Arsenal’s main targets along with Juventus’ Massimiliano Allegri. Though the Spaniard has no first-hand managerial experience, he has captained the Gunners during his five-year spell at the club.
With questions heading in Guardiola’s way, the City manager admitted he wants ‘the best’ for Arteta and will not prevent him from joining his former club. Speaking to Sky Sports, Guardiola said: “What we have done this season, Mikel his contribution was outstanding, amazing, we work together so good.”
“If he stays I will be the happiest guy in the world and if he decides to move because he has this offer, this option, I will not say you do not have to go. I want the best for my friends and he’s a friend of mine.”
“If he decides to go, I will be so sad but I will understand his decision because it’s his career, his life, his family, and I am not the right guy to say you don’t have to do that. But hopefully, he can stay and finish what we started together in the upcoming years.”