After rejecting a late offer from Arsenal to be a part of their backroom staff, veteran Spanish midfielder Mikel Arteta has agreed to become a part of the backroom staff of new Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola, as per Mirror Football.
In addition to Arsenal, Tottenham also approached the former Everton midfielder in an effort to lure him to management.
However, in addition to the animosity that most Arsenal player share towards the Spurs, it was the prospect of working under the tutelage of Pep Guardiola that enabled him to decline that offer.
Very few people know of the fact that both Arteta and Guardiola played together in the Barcelona academy in the 90’s.
The former then moved to Rangers while Guardiola got the opportunity to make his career at the Camp Nou.
Still, it is claimed that the friendship that both of them developed during their Barcelona days is still intact and is a major reason for Arteta joining Manchester City.
Being one of the richest clubs in English football, Manchester City boast of a magnificent training complex.
It was officially opened in the December of 2014 and even players like Lionel Messi have expressed praise of the complex.
Thus, for a player like Arteta who is aspiring to kick start his managerial career, such an offer was too good to turn down.
