Mikel Arteta reveals 'incredible advice' he received from Mauricio Pochettino

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta says he has received «incredible advice» from Mauricio Pochettino in the past, who he looks up to «like a father».

Arteta and Pochettino played alongside one another at Paris Saint-Germain in the early 2000s, with the former then a teenager and the latter a more experienced veteran.

Ahead of Tuesday's meeting between the Gunners and the Blues, Arteta opened up on his time brushing shoulders with Pochettino in their playing days.

«He's one of the most,» Arteta replied when asked how influential Pochettino was on his playing career.

«I was 17 or 18 in Paris with no experience in professional football. He doesn't like me saying it but to me he was like a father, he took me under his arm, he gave me incredible advice and protected me, he inspired me and I learned so much in our two years together.»

Arteta also revealed he consulted Pochettino over the decision to leave his post as assistant manager at Manchester City to take the Arsenal job back in December 2019.

«When I had to make a decision I asked him and explained the situation and he gave me some advice and he was needed,» Arteta said.

«I admire what he's done in his career and he's someone I've looked to because he was impactful to me in the most important stage of my career. As a role model I can't pick anyone better.

»He doesn't need to help me about tactics. The best influence he has had on me is the way he speaks about his life, his professionalism, his family and who he was as a figure in the dressing room and the passion and love he has for the game.

«That for me is the most important things which I learnt from him.»

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