Pep Guardiola speaks on Mikel Arteta’s attitude towards Arsenal during his time at Manchester City

As Manchester City prepares to host Arsenal in the fourth round of the FA Cup on Friday, manager Pep Guardiola has shared a glimpse into the mindset of his former assistant, Mikel Arteta, during their time together at the club.

In a press conference ahead of the highly-anticipated match, Guardiola revealed that the now-Arsenal boss, who played for the Gunners during his playing career, never celebrated a goal scored by City against his former team.

This revelation serves as a reminder of Arteta’s deep connections to Arsenal and his likely ambition to one day lead the club as manager, a dream that he is now fulfilling.

“I said many times to my players and staff. I had many assistant coaches and I said I don’t want anyone who doesn’t agree with me. We felt if one team could offer him to be manager he would leave,” he said.

Guardiola added: “It could happen one or two years before, it didn’t happen. I am not a guy to say no you have to stay with me. Everyone has dreams.

“I know he went to his club, the team he dreams of. He’s a supporter, for the fact he played there, he was a captain there. He loves the club.

Like me, training here or Barcelona if I’m training as assistant and Barcelona call me, I will go. My club. I’m not a person to say stay here and sign a contract. People have to fly when he believes is the best.

“To players I said many times if they are not happy, they have to leave, life is too short. Especially players. Spend time in a place you believe suits you better, if it’s a bad place or you don’t like it, leave.”

Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal currently lead the Premier league, and are 5 points clear off Manchester City.