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Arteta confirms Arsenal departure

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The Spaniard will link up with Guardiola at City

Retired Arsenal midfielder Mikel Arteta has confirmed his departure from the Emirates, and that he will now link up with Pep Guardiola in a coaching role at Manchester City.

It has been speculated for the past few months that the 34-year-old would hang up his boots and pursue the next stage of his footballing career in the north west of England, with Manchester City.

And the former Barcelona B, Rangers, Real Sociedad and Everton confirmed those plans today (July 3) via Twitter.

“I can confirm that I will be leaving Arsenal and retiring from playing to take up a coaching position at Manchester City.” said Arteta.

“I’ve enjoyed an amazing five years at Arsenal and it’s been an honour and a privilege to captain such a great club. I would like to personally thank the manager, board, all of my teammates and, of course, the fans for the fantastic support I’ve received during my time there.

“I am now looking forward to the challenge ahead of Manchester City. The opportunity to join Pep Guardiola and his team was an amazing one and I am incredibly excited for the future.”

Arteta joined Arsenal in 2011, after six years spent in the north west of England, with Everton, where he will now return to start the next chapter of his career.

The news was announced on the same day as Guardiola’s public presentation to City fans at the club’s training and academy complex.

Arsenal had offered Arteta a deal to remain in north London, while so did Tottenham; wh0 were prepared to make an attempt to steal the Spaniard from the grasp of their north London rivals.

Arteta’s 11-year experience of the Premier League is understood to have been a major factor in Guardiola sounding out the former Everton man to work with him, as he prepares for his first season managing in England.

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