ARTETA: This is the Best moment of My career and the Credit Goes to GUARDIOLA

Arteta: This is the best moment of my career, and the credit goes to Guardiola

Thursday, April 17, 2025

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta expressed his extreme happiness after the historic victory over Real Madrid in the second leg of the Champions League quarter-finals, stressing that this night is one of the most important in his coaching career.

Arteta said: "It is one of the most important nights of my career. I thought about my wife, my children, and my family, because they have heard all week about the awe of this stadium and what can happen here. I am proud of what the players gave, and happy for everyone who came to support us. There is a lot of hunger and desire around this club."

He continued: "This is the first time I have been on the bench in this stadium, and I really felt Real Madrid's ability to create chaos, but we controlled the match very well."

He added: "Merino has adapted very well to the team and has given us a lot of leadership and discipline. He gives us things that were not there before, and he performs roles that are unfamiliar to him, but he masters them with complete professionalism."

When asked about Bukayo Saka's missed penalty, Arteta joked: "I wanted to slap him, but he made the decision and that's normal. What worried me was the psychological impact, but I'm happy with the way he responded and bounced back."

Concluding his statements, Arteta revealed a special gesture he made on the morning of the match: "This morning I called Pep Guardiola because if I'm here now, it's because of him. He's been my inspiration as a player and as a coach. I spent four wonderful years with him, and I learned everything from him."