Mikel Arteta, the apprentice from Barcelona in 1999, now chasing Pep Guardiola in this year’s title race.

The Untold Story of Mikel Arteta’s Unforgettable Match with Barcelona

Mikel Arteta, now the manager of Arsenal, had a dream to play for Barcelona as a young boy. Leaving his home in San Sebastian at just 14, he made his way to the famed Barca academy, La Masia, to line up with legends such as Luis Figo and Patrick Kluivert. His pre-season friendly appearance with the Barca first team against Hertha Berlin in Germany was an unforgettable moment.

Arteta’s performance that day was exceptional, according to his own account, though without YouTube footage, it is hard to verify his claims. Nonetheless, it remained a significant moment in his career. He replaced none other than Pep Guardiola, a legend of the club, during the match, creating an entwined destiny with the man he now challenges for the Premier League title.

Impressively, the two remained in touch, with Guardiola consulting Arteta on tactical insight while he was at Arsenal. When Guardiola ultimately became coach of Manchester City, Arteta joined him, before eventually moving to Arsenal as his own team’s manager. Now, in the race for the Premier League title, it is Arteta versus his former mentor.

Despite only making one appearance for Barca first team under coach Louis van Gaal, Arteta’s time with the Catalan giants remains a fond memory. With Guardiola’s influence and the playing experience with Barca, Arteta has become a force to be reckoned with in the Premier League, with the potential to take the title from his old friend.



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