Former Arsenal captain Mikel Arteta has confirmed he is joining Pep Guardiola’s coaching staff at Mancester City.
The Spanish midfielder’s contract with Arsenal expired on June 30 after a five-year stint at the club, and he had already said he expected to take up a coaching role next season.
His move to City had been widely expected, with Guardiola keen on making him part of the new backroom staff at the Etihad as the former Barcelona and Bayern Munich coach prepares for his first season in the Premier League.
“The opportunity to join Pep Guardiola and his team was an amazing opportunity for me and I am incredibly excited for the future,” Arteta wrote in a statement he posted on social media.
Arteta captained Arsenal over the last two seasons but struggled with injuries over the last year and was rarely part of Arsene Wenger’s first-team squad.
He came on as a late substitute for a farewell appearance in the final game of the Premier League season in May and was given a rousing send-off by the Emirates crowd.
He leaves the club having won two FA Cup titles, and also spent the last couple of years working on his coaching badges at Arsenal as he prepared for life after his playing career.
“Throughout my career I have always been interested in more than just the playing side and have had a passion for helping progress and develop the team outside of just my own role as a player,” Arteta said.
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