Mikel Arteta to take coaching role at Manchester City

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BY JEMEDARI Mwanawakiume

Mikel Arteta has joined Pep Guardiola ’s Manchester City revolution as part of the Spaniard’s backroom team.

Mikel Arteta has confirmed his retirement from football and will join Pep Guardiola at Manchester City.

It was reported last month that the former Arsenal captain Arteta had agreed a deal to become one of Guardiola’s coaches and the Spaniard confirmed the news today.

“I can confirm that I will be leaving Arsenal and retiring to take up a coaching position at Manchester City,” he said.

The 34-year-old snubbed an approach from Tottenham and also late interest from Arsenal to be part of their academy to join old pal Guardiola at the Etihad.

Arteta revealed the plan in July as the pair know each other from growing up in the Barcelona academy.

Arteta underlined his excitement at working alongside Pep Guardiola at City in a coaching role.

The midfielder is seen as an outstanding future managerial prospect and left Arsenal on good enough terms to one day potentially return.

One of his first assignment might be to try and smooth a passage with his former club Everton as City try to sign John Stones from Goodison Park.