Mikel Arteta said something about Serge Gnabry in 2014 that is now very interesting

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Serge Gnabry is preparing to return to the Emirates once more, having left Arsenal back in 2016.

Arsenal have realised it was a mistake to let Gnabry go, as the winger has gone on to become a force to be reckoned with in Germany.

Since leaving Arsenal, the German has won six Bundesliga titles as well as a Champions League winners’ medal, but his road to the top started long ago in N5.

Gnabry spent a year in Arsenal’s academy before being promoted to the first team, and during that time, he was teammates with Mikel Arteta.

Mikel Arteta has always been aware of Serge Gnabry’s talent

In January 2014, Arsene Wenger handed Gnabry his FA Cup debut, awarding the teenager a start in the North London Derby.

Wenger trusted Gnabry to shine against Tottenham when the stakes couldn’t have been higher, and the German did just that, claiming an assist.

After the game, Arteta shared a rave review about his then-teammate, unaware of what he would go on to become.

“I think he’s got a lot of quality, he’s got something not many players have in this team, which is pace and skill to go and beat people,” Arteta told Arsenal’s official website at the time. 

“He’s like a little boxer, he’s a little fighter. He’s good. He’s got a lot of character as well, the lad doesn’t get intimidated either, because it’s a derby.

“His character is great. You see it in training. Technically, he is very good, but he’s got something about him as well. He doesn’t mind when he gets kicked; he gets up and goes for the next ball. He’s quite brave.”

At the age of 18, Arteta saw that Gnabry wasn’t the type to shy away when he was needed most, which is what he’s gone on to show throughout his silverware-laden career.

Things weren’t always rosy for Gnabry, as a terrible loan spell at West Bromwich Albion in 2015 concluded his time playing in England.

Gnabry’s career since leaving Arsenal has been astonishing

Tony Pulis may not have thought Gnabry was good enough for West Brom, so years later, he instead proved he was good enough for Bayern Munich.

Now, Gnabry will be eager to showcase his talent in England once more when he returns to the Emirates, heading back to N5 as a player largely different from the one who left. 

Since leaving Arsenal, the now 30-year-old has racked up 300 appearances for Bayern Munich, winning an array of accolades and contributing to 162 goals. 

It’s uplifting to see a player once of Hale End go on to become a decorated player in Europe, but on Wednesday night, Arsenal won’t want to see his best.