Mikel Arteta has recapitulated his wish for former leader Arsene Wenger to return to Arsenal, persisting the club would be “delighted to have him much closer”.
Arsene Wenger left Arsenal in 2018 after 22 years in command. Mikel Arteta played under Wenger for five years before decamping in 2016 and moving into a coaching role at Manchester City under Guardiola. He returned to Arsenal in December 2019 as head coach.
Talking ahead of home match facing Newcastle in the PL on Saturday, Arteta stated: “I spoke to him when we went to see the film (Arsene Wenger: Invincible). It was incredibly pleasant to see him and to chat to him.”
“Hopefully we can bring him close because I think he would have a great time just seeing the environment that he can create around him when he’s around this place, because of the respect, admiration and love that everybody at the club has for what he’s done and for what he represents as a person in this club.”
Queried about the job Wenger could take on at the club, Arteta responded: “I cannot tell you now, but what I can say is that I would like him to be much closer personally to me because I think he will be a great help.”
“I think he will be a great help for the club. Things take time and I think he has to dictate those timings, but what I can say is that from my side and I think it on behalf of everybody, we would be delighted to have him much closer.”
