While speaking at the launch of the new Arsene Wenger documentary, Arsenal’s Mikel Arteta expressed his strong desire for his old mentor.
Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta wishes to see his forerunner, Arsene Wenger to have more presence at the club. During the premiere of the new documentary Arsene Wenger: Invincible, the Spaniard talked about his former boss.
If you were unaware, Arteta reportedly accepted a pay cut in order to join Wenger’s team back in 2011. The Spanish midfielder also played under the French manager until he retired in 2016.
“If it was not for him I would not be in the position I am today. And I wouldn’t have enjoyed the career I had,” Arteta said of his former manager.
Asked whether Wenger was the reason he became a manager, he said: “100 per cent. I was still young and I had my ideas. But he was a different level of inspiration on how I looked at the game.”
“He was very good at being able to transmit what a football club meant into the players. And he put different question marks on me. That is why I started to study and take coaching much more seriously.”
Wenger was at the tactical deck at Emirates Stadium from 1996 and signed off in 2018. However, since his departure, the club icon has not been seen in the stadium once, and Arteta would love for that to change.
“I would like him to be more present at the club. I think the players would love him, benefit, and be inspired to have him around. And I think for the club it would be a huge boost,” Arteta said.
“It was so intense for him for over 20 years and you need to get away a little bit. But I think it would be so beneficial for all parties to have him more present.”
Be sure not to miss out on the latest news about Mikel Arteta
Download our brand new App and follow your favorite players, clubs, and much more
