Mikel Arteta Amatriain, born on 26 March 1982, is a Spanish professional football manager and former player who currently manages Premier League club Arsenal. His career spans from playing for various clubs including Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, Rangers, Real Sociedad, Everton, and Arsenal, to becoming a successful manager, winning several trophies and setting records with Arsenal.
Main Milestones
Birth
26 March 1982
Mikel Arteta Amatriain was born in San Sebastián, Spain.
Senior Club Career Begins
1999
Arteta began his senior club career at Barcelona but limited playing time led to a loan move to Paris Saint-Germain in 2001.
Rangers and Success
2002-2004
Arteta joined Rangers in 2002 for £6 million, winning a league and cup double in his debut season, scoring a decisive 93rd-minute penalty on the final day to win the league on goal difference.
Everton and Premier League
2005
Arteta signed for Everton on loan from Real Sociedad in 2005, which was later made permanent. He was named Everton's Player of the Season twice during his tenure.
Arsenal Transfer
2011
Arteta joined Arsenal in 2011 for £10 million, winning two FA Cups and becoming club captain before retiring in 2016.
Assistant Coach at Manchester City
2016-2019
Arteta was appointed as an assistant coach to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City, helping the team win two Premier League titles, an FA Cup, and two EFL Cups.
Arsenal Manager
20 December 2019
Arteta was appointed as the manager of Arsenal, replacing Unai Emery. He won the FA Cup in his first season, becoming the first person to win the FA Cup as both captain and manager of Arsenal.
Early Managerial Success
2020-2021
Arteta led Arsenal to the FA Cup final in 2020, winning the trophy, and later won the FA Community Shield in 2020 and 2023. He also guided Arsenal to the Champions League knockout stages for the first time since 2016-17.
Record-Breaking Season
2023-2024
Arteta's Arsenal achieved a club-record 28 Premier League wins in the 2023-24 season, finishing runner-up to Manchester City by two points.
Contract Extension
12 September 2024
Arteta extended his contract to remain Arsenal manager for three years.
