Mikel Arteta shares insight on his personal life from being a child in San Sebastian in Spain to becoming an Arsenal Manager in a candid interview with Guillem Balague.
In a rare and candid interview, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta provided insights into his personal journey, from his childhood in San Sebastian to his rise as a football manager, in an exclusive hour-long conversation with BBC Sport columnist Guillem Balague.
Arteta’s reflections on his childhood and early football experiences shed light on the formative years that shaped his career. Growing up in Antiguo, San Sebastian, Arteta fondly recalled his love for the beach, the sun, and football—a combination that fueled his passion for the game from a young age.
At just 14, Arteta embarked on a transformative journey at the renowned Barcelona academy, La Masia, where he crossed paths with future football stars such as Pepe Reina, Victor Valdez, and Andres Iniesta. His time at La Masia not only honed his football skills but also fostered lifelong friendships and a sense of camaraderie.
Arteta’s football odyssey continued with a loan spell at Paris St-Germain, where he formed a close bond with Mauricio Pochettino, describing him as a mentor and a guiding force during his time in France.
The pivotal move to Rangers in 2002 marked a new chapter in Arteta’s career, where he encountered challenges and opportunities that shaped his development as a player and a person. It was during his tenure at Rangers that Arteta met his wife, Lorena, who played a significant role in his life both on and off the pitch.
Reflecting on his coaching journey, Arteta shared his experiences at Everton and Manchester City, highlighting the moments of connection, passion, and determination that defined his approach to the game.
Arteta’s transition from player to manager culminated in his appointment as Arsenal manager in December 2019. He spoke candidly about the challenges and aspirations he faced, emphasizing the need for unity, commitment, and a shared vision to propel the club forward.
Arteta on Arsenal – then and now
Arteta played for Arsenal between 2011 and 2016. When he first joined, he was vocal in a quiet changing room.
He says: “I started to talk and I started to get everybody connected – ‘Come on, let’s do this, guys’. I was so excited.
“I’m going to do everything. I’m going to break every wall here. We have to make this happen.”
He says of approaching retirement: “It was coming to a stage that I was feeling much more interested in the coaching side than the playing side.”
In December 2019 Arteta became Arsenal manager.
As a symbolic gesture of commitment to Arsenal’s heritage, Arteta planted an olive tree in front of his office, embodying the club’s roots and resilience.
The exclusive interview with Guillem Balague provided a rare glimpse into the personal and professional journey of Mikel Arteta, offering fans and football enthusiasts a deeper understanding of the man behind the manager.
Reference: Guillem Balague, BBC Sport.
