During the Manchester City-Arsenal preview of the FA Cup, Pep Guardiola provided a statement in relativity to Mikel Arteta’s relation with Arsenal that showcases a hypothetical equivalent to his own special relationship with Barcelona.
When talking about how special of a club Arsenal is to Arteta and the attraction it has always been to the now Gunner’s manager, Guardiola stated: “Like me, training here or Barcelona – if I’m training as assistant and Barcelona call me, I will go. It’s my club. I’m not a person to say ‘stay here and sign a contract’. People have to go where they believe are the best… If Barcelona call me I’ll go as it’s home”.
Emphasizing why Arsenal and Arteta hold a deep bond with one another, the Catalan manager ended up reiterating his own special connection with FC Barcelona, his own home.
Guardiola also recalled his times with Mikel Arteta by his side as the assistant manager, and how they would celebrate their wins and goals together. He recalls how after every such achievement or obstacle that they would overcome, both Spaniards always “jumped and celebrated”, except against a particular team.
A team that when they would score against and Guardiola would celebrate and turn towards his compatriot, he would find Arteta refusing to celebrate as he would against any other opponent. This particular opponent was Arsenal.
The current Manchester City manager further explained how “everyone has dreams and I know he went to his club, the club he dreamed of. He was a fan of Arsenal because of playing there, he was captain and he loved that club.” and this seemingly feels like a nod to how the former also possibly feels towards his Catalan club in Barcelona.
Pep Guardiola currently remains obligated to Manchester City till 2025, thanks to a contract he just recently signed with the Citizens in November of 2022.
