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Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has expressed his continued admiration for Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola, even after a tense Premier League clash between the two sides.
In spite of their professional rivalry and the heated encounter that ended in a 2-2 draw at the Etihad Stadium last weekend, Arteta emphasized that their personal relationship remains strong.
“I love him, I respect him, and I admire him, his team, and everything that he does,” Arteta said ahead of Arsenal’s next Premier League match against Leicester.
The match, which saw Arsenal adopt aggressive tactics and City players accuse the Gunners of time-wasting, did not affect Arteta’s bond with Guardiola.
Arteta clarified that while the nature of their profession requires fierce competition, it should never strain personal relationships.
“This is a sport—one thing is our profession and the other is our personal relationship,” he explained.
“If my relationship has to be damaged because we play against each other… then I wouldn’t talk to him anymore.”
Furthermore, Arteta noted that handling both competition and friendship professionally is essential, particularly when games become intense.
He encouraged others to understand the distinction between work and personal life, stating, “It’s quite simple—don’t take it personally; it’s part of our job.”
Arteta’s comments reflect a mature approach to balancing rivalry with camaraderie, a lesson he hopes will resonate in both sports and beyond.
