Arsenal Star Mikel Arteta Advised Ex-United Manager David Moyes on Joining Real Sociedad

Arsenal captain Mikel Arteta has revealed former Manchester United manager David Moyes called him for advice before deciding to take charge of Real Sociedad.

The Spaniard has a strong relationship with the Scottish manager from their days together at Everton, and as Arteta used to play for the La Liga side, Moyes called him to learn more about what he can expect at his new club before making a decision.

"I gave him my opinion about la Real. He had some doubts, as anyone would in his situation," Arteta revealed in an interview with Spanish radio station Cadena Ser.

Following more than a week of negotiations, the La Liga side confirmed the appointment of the former United boss earlier on Monday.

Even though Arteta admits Moyes may struggle in the first months in La Liga until he learns Spanish, he has what it takes to thrive at Real Sociedad after his calamitous spell at Old Trafford, which ended in his dismissal just 10 months into a six-year contract.

"He's a coach that likes to tighten the reigns, he'll do well with the group. He demands a lot and works hard, he's not what you'd call a 'typical' English manager that sits on the bench. He analyses a lot and he has a clear idea of how he wants his team to play," the Spaniard said.

"There are things (like the language barrier or knowledge of Spanish football) that could have an adverse effect, but when he made the decision to come to Real Sociedad over the other offers he had, it's because he sees their potential moving forward.

"If he's not able to get the team moving forward from the start, it's going to hurt him. I wish him the best, he's a coach that can light a fire under a player and the player will fight to the death for him. He's a coach that deserves it."

When questioned why he failed at Old Trafford, Arteta said: "Because he arrived to a club that had experienced a huge change (following Sir Alex Ferguson's departure).

"The team was declining and they didn't give him £150m to spend like to van Gaal. He just got Fellaini and furthermore he lost some important players."