Mikel Arteta makes ‘unbelievable’ PSG admission which ‘ignited’ what Arsenal are seeing today

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Arsenal will welcome PSG to the Emirates Stadium for a Champions League clash on Tuesday evening. 

Arsenal will be keen to record their first win in Europe’s elite club competition so far this season, having been held to a 0-0 draw by Atalanta last time out in the tournament. 

Of course, the Gunners face a tough test against the French giants, even if they do have the benefit of home advantage.

Mikel Arteta’s side will have to be at their best to claim victory, and will need to play on the front foot, taking the game to the visitors. 

Arsenal were scintillating in attack against Leicester City on Saturday, as they created a huge number of chances in that match. The Gunners will need to be more efficient with the opportunities they do create against PSG.

This is a fixture that Arteta will feel a personal connection to. At the outset of his playing career, the Spaniard spent time on loan with PSG. 

Ahead of this match, he has recalled that time in his life.

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Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta still inspired by PSG stint

Speaking in his press conference ahead of this showdown between Arsenal and PSG, Arteta spoke about his time in Paris.

He said: “It was my first professional experience… It was an unbelievable time I spent there, I loved every minute of it. I will always be grateful to the club.

“It was a platform, to be in a club of that size, in that city, probably the most beautiful one in Europe. An experience that stayed forever, with teammates who helped me and shaped who I wanted to be as a player, and I think ignited something in me to want to become a manager in the future.”

The debt Arsenal owe PSG

As his time at PSG seems to have inspired Arteta onto the path into management, the Gunners owe a debt of gratitude to the French outfit.

After all, the former midfielder has had a transformative impact at the Emirates Stadium. He has healed the rift between the club and the supporters, and has made Arsenal genuine contenders for the biggest prizes in the game, such as the Champions League, once again. 

Arteta’s ability to have such an impact at Arsenal has been been informed by the experiences he gathered and lessons he learned prior to his arrival in North London, including all he learned in his time with PSG.