MIKEL ARTETA cut a stylish figure as he starred in the latest issue of GQ Hype magazine – but he revealed he is still not over Arsenal’s title collapse last season.
They blew an eight-point title lead to hand Manchester City a third successive crown last term and earned themselves a place in the all-time list of title blow-ups.
The Gunners topped the Prem for an incredible 248 days – but a shock defeat at Nottingham Forest on May 20 finally confirmed Man City as champions.
Arteta revealed that it took him a few weeks to process what had happened at the end of last term as he referenced their injury problems as part of the collapse.
But they go into the 2023/24 campaign with renewed optimism following the additions of Declan Rice, Jurrien Timber and Kai Havertz.
Speaking to GQ Magazine, the Spaniard insists that pain is fuelling him this time around.
He explained: “I had to go through that and it took me a few weeks. I don’t know if I’ve gotten over it, and probably I don’t want to because I need that to be better.
“There are certain things that you must have to win the title. We had a lot, but it wasn’t enough.”
Arsenal’s season begins when they face Manchester City in the Community Shield on Sunday – once again reuniting Arteta with his close friend and managerial mentor, Pep Guardiola.
And the Gunners boss has revealed how the Spaniard pushed him towards taking the Arsenal job back in 2019.
Arteta was working as Guardiola’s assistant at The Etihad and had no experience of being a head coach.
There were concerns over taking such a big job in the middle of the season, but Guardiola told Arteta to take the plunge.
Arteta revealed the stark message, claiming Guardiola said: “You are ready. If you don’t, I’ll kick your a**.”
The 41-year-old also struck a number of stylish poses during the photoshoot for the magazine feature, wearing various outfits.
And Gooners loved every one of them after they emerged online.
“My manager,” declared one, with another teasing rivals with “your boss could never look this good!”.
Another commented on how “handsome” he looked as a fellow fan stated that Arsenal “have the coolest manager (and the best)”.
Read the full feature online at GQ Hype now.
