Mikel Arteta’s former Arsenal teammate is so inspired by his rise as a manager

Add as preferred source on Google

On the day Arsenal could make Champions League history, a familiar face has paid tribute to the man leading them into battle.

Aaron Ramsey spent five years alongside Mikel Arteta at Arsenal between 2011 and 2016, winning two FA Cups together and coming agonisingly close to a Premier League title in 2016.

Now, as Arteta prepares to lead the Gunners into the biggest game in the club’s modern history, his former teammate has spoken about just how much watching that journey has meant to him.

“It is inspiring because Mikel was here studying around 10 years ago, in the same position starting his journey,” Ramsey told BBC Sport.

“That’s inspiring for us, to see him 10 years later, lifting the Premier League and in the Champions League final.

It’s Champions League final day, simple question: How are you feeling?

Comment

Like or Comment

Have your say Sign-in now for free

“I want to win all the big things in the game. That’s the goal, that’s the target — to get as good as I can to make that a reality.”

Ramsey, 35, retired from playing in April and is now currently studying for his pro licence with the Football Association of Wales — the same qualification Arteta pursued a decade ago before embarking on his coaching career.

The path Arteta has taken, from studious assistant under Pep Guardiola to Premier League champion and Champions League finalist, is exactly the sort of path Ramsey hopes to follow.

But not only is Ramsey inspired by Arteta from a professional standpoint, he’s also happy for him as a friend.

“From a friend’s perspective, I am really pleased for him,” Ramsey said. “I know the amount of work he’s put in and the dedication he has to making sure that he gives absolutely everything for his role and that club.

“And I am so pleased for my team to have been able to win the Premier League this year.”

Tonight in Budapest, Arteta has the chance to add a Champions League trophy to that Premier League title.

For Ramsey, and plenty of others who shared a dressing room with him, it would be nothing less than he deserves.