Mikel Arteta has confirmed that he is set to join Manchester City in a coaching capacity under Pep Guardiola, snubbing advances from Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur, who were also ready to offer him a coaching role. The midfielder hung up his boots following the end of his contract with the Gunners on 30 June after spending five successful years with the north London club, winning two FA Cup titles in the process.

Arteta joins Patrick Vieira as the second Arsenal captain to join City as a coach but was extremely appreciative of his time with the north London club. The midfielder missed the major part of last season through injury and said his last goodbye to the fans after coming on as a second half substitute against Aston Villa in the final game of the season, scoring the fourth goal. It was eventually chalked off by the dubious goals committee and awarded as an own goal to goalkeeper Mark Bunn.

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Arteta was offered a role in the Arsenal academy, as reported by the Telegraph, but decided to change base and learn under Guardiola, with whom he has previously worked in Spain.

"I can confirm that I will be leaving Arsenal and retiring from playing to take up a coaching position at Manchester City," Arteta said, in a statement on Twitter.

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"I've enjoyed an amazing five years at Arsenal and it's been an honour and a privilege to captain such a great club. I would like to personally thank the manager, board, all of my teammates and, of course, the fans for the fantastic support I've received during my time there.

Mikel Arteta
Arteta's career has slowed in recent years due to injury. Getty Images

"I am now looking forward to the challenge ahead of Manchester City. The opportunity to join Pep Guardiola and his team was an amazing one and I am incredibly excited for the future."

Meanwhile, Arsenal have completed the signing of Japanese forward Asano Takuma, subject to a medical and other regulatory processes. This was the Gunners' second signing of the summer, having already completed the transfer of Granit Xhaka earlier in the window.

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