'I respect him, I admire him' - Mikel Arteta explains his relationship with Pep Guardiola transcends beyond professional realms

In a recent interview, Arsenal's gaffer Mikel Arteta expressed enthusiasm for the growing rivalry with Manchester City while acknowledging that some friction between rivals can be more engaging than mutual admiration. 

He emphasized that his friendship with Pep Guardiola remains intact despite their competitive encounters and suggested that their bond will surely be intact even in future. 

Mikel Arteta opens up about his Friendship with Pep Guardiola

Mikel Arteta conveyed his deep appreciation for the Manchester City coach and his team. He emphasized the distinction between professional and personal connections. Additionally, he highlighted that even if their professional relationship faced challenges due to match outcomes, his personal bond with Pep would remain strong. Arteta stressed that their friendship transcends their professional roles.

“I love him, I respect him, I admire him and I admire his team and everything that he does, This is sport, One thing is our profession another is our personal relationship."- Arteta said

“If our relationship was damaged because one draws and the other one wins or the amount of times that they’ve beaten us, I would not talk to him anymore."- Arteta explained

“So that’s not our relationship, especially the relationship that I consider both of us have. In sport it will never get in my way, a personal relationship. That’s for sure.”- he added.

Arteta being a Former City Staff helps 

Arteta emphasized that his previous experience as a City employee has made the current situation easier, as he is familiar with the individuals involved.

“It helps you to know people in different situations, when you get to know those people in the good and the bad, when things go your way, and they don’t go your way, then you understand them much better. For me it’s not a surprise and I’m very comfortable with that." - Arteta added.