Press conference

Arteta - I had seven incredible years there

Mikel Arteta admits it will be "strange" to return to Goodison Park and be in the opposition dugout on Saturday.

Our manager spent seven years at Everton as a player before signing for us, and this will be his first trip there in charge of us.

 

"It's going to feel really strange," he said. "It was my first experience in the Premier League as a player. A lot has happened since then and I'm so grateful for the years that I had over there. Now I'm privileged to be going back to Goodison, representing Arsenal and being the manager.

 

"[It was] magnificent. I had seven incredible years there, they treated me incredibly well, we were very successful for the team and the results that we had in the moment, and I still have a lot love, admiration and friends over there because I am grateful they treated me really well and I really enjoyed being part of their family.

 

"It was David Moyes [in charge] for the whole period and all the coaching staff who were there implemented a way of playing that was new to me, because I was coming from a different education.

 

"I had to adapt, I learned a lot of things, it was a challenge. I had to embrace and adapt to it, and I really enjoyed it with everybody at the club because I built up really strong relationships with them and of course the fans."

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