MIKEL ARTETA is Arsenal’s new manager, making an emotional return to the club he played for between 2011 and 2016.
The Spaniard skippered the Gunners under Arsene Wenger, and was on the verge of tears after appearing for the final time as an 88th minute substitute against Aston Villa on the last day of the 2015/16 season.
The emotional Arteta struggled to hide his emotions after playing for Arsenal for the final time
Arteta said an emotional goodbye to the Emirates in 2016Credit: Getty Images – Getty
And in his post match interview that day, Arteta could not hide his emotions at having finished his playing career with the Gunners.
He said: “It’s a day I will never forget.
“I can only thank you for how everybody behaved with me and my family for those magnificent five years and when you leave the club, that’s when you see what you mean to people and how you feel about the club.
“And my emotions, and the way I feel about the people, it cannot be any better. It’s been a dream.
“I was very scared about this day, because… I’m going to say 99 percent that’s my last game as a professional footballer. “
Arteta then welled up as he reflected on skippering the Gunners: “And… I can’t even talk, I’ve had… very honoured to play for this club and captain these players.
“This club is class and once you’re here you never forget – and it’s going to be hard to move on, but I really enjoyed today.”
Mikel Arteta set for £5m Arsenal contract as he holds final talks with Josh Kroenke
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
