Mikel Arteta came close to becoming Arsenal manager but he was beaten to the job by Unai Emery.
After Arsene Wenger announced that he was leaving the club at the end of the season, Arsenal board began the search for his replaced and Arteta was the leading candidate. However, the Gunners ended up with Unai Emery and Arteta has now opened up saying he never considered leaving Manchester City. Arteta says he is “very happy” to work under Pep Guardiola.
“In football, it’s so hard to predict things. Obviously, when things happen you have to make decisions – and sometimes you don’t have time to make decisions. A decision was made and I’m so happy the decision was made and I’m very privileged to be where I am,” said Arteta when he was asked about his failed move.
In his press conference ahead of Wednesday’s Champions League encounter, the reporters asked him how close he was to leaving Manchester City and he said, “I didn’t talk on that moment two, three months ago, and I didn’t make any statement, and I don’t think today is the day to talk about it. You all know something happened but the reality is that I am here and I am very happy.”
The Citizens will play hosts to Lyon in Champions League Group F clash on Wednesday night.