Mikel Arteta clarifies Pep Guardiola's irritated response to 'I have all the information' comments after Man City vs Arsenal clash
Mikel Arteta has reiterated that he loves Pep Guardiola even after the Manchester City manager's angry response to his former assistant.
Arsenal were criticized for using the “dark arts” to defend their leadership in City last weekend before settling for a 2-2 draw in the dramatic clash.
When asked about those claims during the week, arteta It seemed to refer to his spell with Guardiola in the dock, saying, “I was there for four years. I have all the information, so I know, believe me.”
However, the City manager appeared to believe that the Arsenal boss may have been hinting at the Premier League hearing in progress about the alleged violations of financial Fair Play by the current champions.
“Next time Mikel has to be clearer about what exactly he means,” he responded on Friday. “He said he was here four years and knows exactly what happened here.
“That may be related to the process now with 115 charges, maybe he knows information about that? Or maybe he was like, I don't know? Hopefully he asked himself this question and can answer exactly what he means.”
Arteta dismissed suggestions of a feud between the pair amid their on-field rivalry by insisting he loves Guardiola and saying “sport will never get in the way of a personal relationship”.
And the Arsenal manager doubled down on his comments and echoed his appreciation for his compatriot, with whom he won two Premier League titles at City.
“I repeat it, very clearly. I love Pep. I admire him, since I was ten years old. I respect him deeply,” he said through the independent writer. miguel delaney following the gunners 4-2 victory over Leicester on Saturday.
“I'm very grateful for what he did for (me). I consider him a friend. I know how hard they work…The reason they are there is hunger.”
arteta aggregate: “If someone wants to damage that relationship, that is not in my hands.
“Sport is that will to win. They have it, even if they have won it more than anyone else. This is what I want to say, I have been there. I hope that is clear.”
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Arsenal and City have started a new rivalry in the Premier League, as both teams compete for the title from 2022.
Guardiola's side have beaten Arteta's men twice so far, and both are ready to challenge this season.
A win for either team in last weekend's match would have given their title hopes a huge boost, but the end result of the controversial match was a draw.
As a result, City remained two points behind the Gunners at the top of the table, although their lead has now been reduced to zero.
They drew 1-1 with Newcastle in the first Premier League game of the weekend that included a Anthony Gordon's controversial penalty.
Arsenal almost dropped points later in the day as well, but scored two late goals to beat Leicester and move level with City on 14 points, although they are behind them in third place on goal difference.
