Former Arsenal captain Mikel Arteta has reportedly agreed a deal to work as part of the backroom staff at Manchester City under new boss Pep Guardiola.
The 34-year-old is believed to have turned down offers from both Tottenham and Arsenal in order to link up with his old friend, who he grew up with in the Barcelona academy.
Reports from The Mirror state that an announcement is pending, but the news has been in the air since the final day of the season, as Fresh Arsenal reported back in early April.
Arteta broke down in tears as Arsenal completed the campaign with a 4-0 victory over Aston Villa, which was the first sign he would be packing his bags for Manchester.
His new role will see him work alongside Guardiola as part of his coaching team, as well as being a key figure inside their ever-growing academy.
Arsene Wenger will be happy that his captain has found a move that is right for him, the Frenchman has never been shy of admiring Arteta’s qualities that will lead him into management.
Arteta will follow in the footsteps of former captain and midfielder Patrick Vieira, who joined Roberto Mancini at the Etihad back in 2010 as a player-coach.
The fan favourite now works as the manager of New York City FC and a similar path will be perfect for Arteta has he hangs up his playing boots and dips into life as a manager.
Multiple injuries towards the end of his career has crocked his chances of finishing his time at the Gunners with a flourish, but he did grab a goal on the final day at the Emirates.
Arsenal fans will want to wish the best of luck to the Spaniard, who has always been a likeable character both on and off the pitch and could potentially return to the club one day.
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