Mikel Arteta has moved to defuse tensions between Arsenal and Manchester City by professing his love and respect for Pep Guardiola.
The rivalry between the two clubs has become increasingly heated of late, particularly after their 2-2 draw at Eastlands. The Gunners were accused of employing the “dark arts” by centre-back John Stones.
Arteta, who was Guardiola‘s assistant at Man City between 2016 and 2019, responded to the accusation during the week. “I was there for four years. I have all the information, so I know, believe me,” he said.
On Friday, Guardiola reacted by telling his former Barcelona clubmate that he “has to be more clear about exactly what he means”, before making reference to the 115 charges levied against City by the Premier League.
Arteta – Arsenal ‘suffered more than we should have” against Leicester
The Catalan tactician added that he has been pushed into a “war” with the north London outfit. “You provoke me, okay, I’m there.”
Arteta attempted to broker peace and explain his cryptic comments in his post-match press conference after Arsenal defeated Leicester City 4-2 at home.
“Okay, I can repeat it: I love Pep,” the Basque native said. “I’ve admired him since I was 10 years old. I respect him profoundly. I’m so grateful for everything he does and see him as a friend.
“When I say I know them it means I know how hard they work. The reason they are there is because they maintain that hunger. I cannot be any more clear than that.
“If someone wants to damage that relationship I cannot control it. For me sport is about that will to win. They have it even though, they’ve won more than everybody else. Hopefully that’s clear.”
Arsenal let a two-goal lead slip on Saturday after James Justin scored a second-half brace to cancel out goals from Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard. A goalmouth scramble in stoppage time resulted in an own goal from Wilfred Ndidi before Kai Havertz ensured victory.
“It got very emotional, more than we wanted certainly,” Arteta admitted. “After 2-0 the result should have been bigger. This is the Premier League. They scored two goals. But I’m really pleased with the way we responded.”
