Mikel Arteta has expressed his deep passion for managing Arsenal and believes he will still be coaching Boxing Day fixtures a decade from now.
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Since taking over as head coach in December 2019, Arteta has revitalized the Gunners, steering them towards success while clinching the FA Cup and Carabao Cup along the way.
The 42-year-old Spaniard, who succeeded Unai Emery’s turbulent reign, has transformed Arsenal into Premier League title contenders.
Currently, his side sits third in the table, six points behind leaders Liverpool and two points adrift of Chelsea after 17 games.
Although Arsenal endured a difficult period between October and November, their recent 5-1 thrashing of Crystal Palace suggests they are regaining form.
However, Arteta’s squad faces a challenging winter schedule without Bukayo Saka, who is sidelined for several weeks with a hamstring injury.
Ahead of Arsenal’s upcoming clash with Ipswich, Arteta reflected on his love for the festive period and shared his vision for the future during an interview with Sky Sports.
Asked whether he sees himself preparing for Boxing Day fixtures in ten years, Arteta confidently replied, “I think so. If you still have the energy to do it… If you asked me now, I would say probably yes.”
Arteta spoke passionately about his career choice, stating, “I love what I do. It’s my choice at the end of the day. I decided to do this because I absolutely love it. Sure, there are challenges, but the positives far outweigh them.”
When discussing his current squad, Arteta emphasized the importance of consistency in winning trophies to cement legendary status.
“I hope some of our players become club legends. But to get there, you need to win major trophies consistently. That’s what takes you to that level,” he explained.
Arteta also acknowledged the significance of breaking records, saying, “Some records we’ve broken were there for a very long time at this club.
Hopefully, these achievements will help individuals get recognized at the highest level because the club has performed so well.”
Looking ahead to where he sees himself in ten years, Arteta envisions a fulfilling life both professionally and personally. He revealed, “What will make me happy at Christmas dinner in ten years is knowing my family and friends want to be with me, whether in London or elsewhere. It’s about being surrounded by loved ones who choose to spend time with you.”
As Arsenal gear up for their next challenge against Ipswich, the question remains: will Mikel Arteta still be at the helm in 10 years, leading the Gunners towards greater glory? Only time will tell, but his passion and vision for the club suggest he’s in it for the long haul.
