Mikel Arteta has responded to recent comments made by Pep Guardiola, seeking to clarify his remarks about “knowing many things about Manchester City.” Arteta, who worked closely with Guardiola at City before taking over as Arsenal manager, expressed his deep respect and admiration for his former mentor.
Arteta’s Deep Respect for Guardiola
Arteta began by emphasizing his profound respect for Guardiola, stating, “I love Pep, I’ve admired him since I was 10 years old and I respect him profoundly.” He further added, “I am so grateful for everything Guardiola did for me… so I consider him a friend. I love and respect all of the staff there at Manchester City.”
Clarification on the “Knowing Many Things” Comment
Arteta explained the context of his original comment, which sparked speculation about his relationship with Guardiola and Manchester City. He said, “When I said that I know many things about Man City, I just meant I know how hard they work at that club.” Arteta praised the relentless work ethic of Guardiola and the entire Manchester City staff, noting, “I haven’t seen a human being work as hard as Pep, and the coaches and everybody in that club is consistently winning. The reason they are there is because they continue to maintain that hunger every single season.”
Addressing Potential Misinterpretations
Arteta concluded by addressing any potential misinterpretations of his comments, stating, “If someone wants to damage the relationship, that’s not in my hands. That feeling is profound.” He reiterated his respect and admiration for Guardiola and Manchester City, emphasizing that his remarks were meant to highlight their hard work and success, not to cause any friction.
Mikel Arteta’s comments highlight the deep bond and mutual respect between him and Pep Guardiola, despite any potential misunderstandings. Arteta’s clarification underscores his admiration for the work being done at Manchester City and his desire to maintain a positive relationship with his former mentor.