Arsenal have confirmed Mikel Arteta as their new manager, replacing Unai Emery. The former club captain has signed a deal until the end of the 2022/23 season with the Gunners and will be in charge for the Premier League clash with Everton at the Goodison Park Stadium on Saturday.
Speaking about his new job, Arteta has promised to bring passion and happiness to the club and he is delighted to be working with senior at Arsenal.
“This is a huge honour. Arsenal is one of the biggest clubs in the world. We need to be competing for the top trophies in the game and that’s been made very clear to me in my discussions with Stan and Josh Kroenke, and the senior people from the club.” Mikel said.
“We all know there is a lot of work to be done to achieve that but I am confident we’ll do it. I’m realistic enough to know it won’t happen overnight but the current squad has plenty of talent and there is a great pipeline of young players coming through from the academy.
“I think it’s the right moment. We have all the elements to move forward, to be challenging. I think we need to be demanding, because I think we have the ability and what it takes to go ahead and set bigger targets. We know the challenge is there and I think we have all the elements to go and progress again.” Arteta added.
Arteta played for Arsenal for five seasons from 2011 to 2016. In July 2016, he was appointed an assistant coach at Manchester City alongside fellow assistants Brian Kidd.
“We’re delighted to be bringing Mikel back to Arsenal. He knows our expectations and those of our fans around the world are high and we are confident he can play a lead role in taking the club back to the levels we all demand.” Arsenal director, Josh Kroenke, said.
“I also want to thank Freddie Ljungberg for skilfully guiding us through the last three weeks. He stepped up at short notice and has helped us through this difficult period with great professionalism.” Kroenke added.
