Mikel Arteta confirms retirement set to join Man City as assistant coach

MIKEL ARTETA has confirmed his retirement to join Manchester City as assistant coach.

In a statement on his Twitter account, the Spaniard admitted the chance to link up with Guardiola was ‘amazing’

He said: “I can confirm that I will be leaving Arsenal and retiring from playing to take up a coaching position at Manchester City.

“I’ve enjoyed an amazing five years at Arsenal and it’s been an honour and a privilege to captain such a great club. I would like to personally thank the manager, board, all of my teammates and, of course, the fans for the fantastic support I’ve received during my time there.

Hi all, here a statement from me on the next chapter in my football career… pic.twitter.com/2Xb9VifCog

— Mikel Arteta (@m8arteta) July 3, 2016

“I am now looking forward to the challenge ahead of Manchester City. The opportunity to join Pep Guardiola and his team was an amazing one and I am incredibly excited for the future.”

The 34-year-old joined the Gunners in 2011 after more than six years with Premier League rivals Everton.

He made 150 appearances under Arsene Wenger, winning two FA Cups and becoming captain in 2014