In a recent interview, the manager of Arsenal, Mikel Arteta, spoke candidly about his life, from his childhood in San Sebastian to his distinguished career as a professional footballer and coach. Arteta, now a prominent figure in the football world, offered valuable insights into his path to success, the obstacles he encountered along the way, and the vital role his family plays in his life.
Born and raised in the picturesque neighbourhood of Antiguo in San Sebastian, Arteta fondly recalls spending his days playing football on the beach, “It was the perfect combination of my love for the water, sun, and beach, along with football,” reminisced Arteta. His formative years were also marked by his time at Barcelona’s La Masia academy, where he formed strong bonds with future football stars like Victor Valdez and Andres Iniesta.
Arteta’s journey then took him to Paris St-Germain, where he found a mentor in Mauricio Pochettino, who played a crucial role in shaping his career. “Mauricio was like a shield for me – he was protecting me from everything… I could not find anybody better,” Arteta expressed, reflecting on the impact of his time at PSG.
The next significant chapter in Arteta’s life unfolded in Scotland, where he signed with Rangers, a decision that not only shaped his career but also led him to meet his future wife, Lorena. Arteta’s admiration for his wife was evident in his words, “She has changed my life… I have that feeling with her that we never get bored… In our profession we always talk about the protagonist, which is the player or the coach or the manager. But what about the person that is next to that one? And without that there are not enough foundations and there is not enough strength for that to be consistent.”
Following his time at Rangers, Arteta’s career continued to flourish as he found success at Everton and later joined Manchester City as Pep Guardiola’s assistant manager. He described his time at City as ‘fascinating’ and highlighted the ‘unbelievable chemistry’ he shared with Guardiola.
Finally, Arteta shared about his current role as the manager of Arsenal, emphasizing the importance of connecting with the team and instilling a sense of commitment to take the club to new heights. He also underscored the significance of the symbolic olive tree he planted at Arsenal, representing the club’s rich history and the responsibility of nurturing it.
Through this intimate interview, the public gained a deeper understanding of Mikel Arteta, the person behind the successful manager and former player, shedding light on the pivotal moments, relationships, and values that have shaped his remarkable journey in the world of football.