As Arsenal prepares to host PSG in a pivotal Champions League encounter on Tuesday, manager Mikel Arteta took a moment to reflect on his time with the French club during the 2001-2002 season.
A Memorable Stint in Paris
Arteta spent the season on loan at Paris Saint-Germain from Barcelona, where he experienced a unique blend of talent and culture. He recalls the call that changed everything: “We were in Barcelona when we got the phone call: ‘You need to pack your bags and fly to Paris. Now.’ You look at those names [at PSG] and think: ‘Are they sure?'”
He played alongside some football legends, including Ronaldinho, Jay-Jay Okocha, Nicolas Anelka, Mauricio Pochettino, and Gabriel Heinze. Reflecting on that time, Arteta noted, “Unbelievable,” highlighting the remarkable talents that surrounded him during his loan.
Arteta had hoped to extend his stay in Paris, but contractual obligations with Barcelona prevented that from happening: “I wanted to stay there [after the loan], but I was owned by Barcelona and they couldn’t find an agreement.”
Shaping His Career
The experience in Paris left a lasting impact on Arteta, shaping his aspirations as both a player and a manager. “It’s an experience that will stay with me forever, that shaped who I wanted to be as a player and ignited in me something to become a manager. They protected me like a son. It was the perfect environment,” he shared.
Arsenal’s Champions League Aspirations
Arsenal comes into this match unbeaten this season, buoyed by a late win against Leicester City that shifted the mood from negativity after a 2-2 draw with Manchester City. Arteta aims to secure his first Champions League win after a disappointing 0-0 draw against Atalanta in their opening match.
With a talented squad at his disposal, Arteta understands the significance of competing on European nights and is eager to lead Arsenal to success against PSG. The clash is not only a chance to build momentum in the tournament but also an opportunity for Arteta to revisit his past and the lessons learned during his time in Paris.