The Arsenal manager’s hotel roommate was a young Paris Saint-Germain star, Ronaldinho. Ronaldinho’s party prince reputation makes the story interesting to imagine. Did they sleep together? “With me, he was always perfect,” Arteta beams.
Arteta was not asked about his top five Brazilian nights out. As Arsenal prepared to play PSG in Tuesday’s luxury Champions League encounter, Arteta’s eyes gleamed as he remembered the people, places, and tremendous sensation of possibilities that built his career.
He spent most of his press conference last week reacting to the dramatic 2-2 draw against Manchester City. Positive energy abounded.
Areta often sounded shocked about his PSG experiences, as if still absorbing them.
He joined the club on loan from Barcelona B in 2001 and made his professional debut in a 1-1 Champions League draw against Milan at San Siro. He saw Berlusconi, Maldini, and Shevchenko in the tunnel. I said, ‘Really?’ Thrown to lions.”
Areta’s path to Barcelona’s first team was blocked by numerous stars, notably PSG manager Luis Enrique. The sudden transfer to Paris was disconcerting.
For me, my family, Arteta says. In Barcelona, we were told to pack and fly to Paris. Now. PSG names make you wonder, ‘Are they sure?’
They were named. “Unbelievable,” Arteta says. We had Ronaldinho, Okocha, Anelka, Pochettino, Heinze. Barcelona owned me and wouldn’t let me stay after the loan.”
Arteta joined a struggling PSG. After rehiring Luis Fernandez, the club lost as many games as they won. “But you get there and Luis Fernandez was the one that believed in me,” Arteta says.
People must give you a chance. I always value him. Other influences were Pochettino and Heinze. I always had their support and job advice.
This encounter changed my playing approach and inspired me to manage. Protected me like son. A perfect setting.”
Ronaldinho joined from Gremio in July 2001. Arteta say he transformed PSG before joining Barcelona in 2003. Arteta felt he had to defend against Ronaldinho and Okocha.
Imagine! The encounter was weird and dreamlike. Then I was lucky and energetic. Must take the opportunity.
Every training drill prompted, ‘How is this possible?’ Some tasks are literally impossible.”
Artetas never played or managed against PSG. Luis Enrique knows what to expect. “I am a huge admirer of him,” Arteta says.
He’s charismatic and energetic. He constantly supported Barcelonas young players, and I love that his playing and managerial fingerprints are everywhere.
Visit PSG to see his team. They control the ball and demand it back when they don’t. Aggressive and confrontational. His name is Luis. He plays this way against every opponent, in any situation.”
Arteta sans Ben White. The defender did not train on Monday after missing Arsenal’s last two matches with a groin injury. Calafiori detected a muscle injury after Saturday’s 4-2 home win over Leicester while “emotional”. Participated in training.
