Arteta: interview

Mikel, you've been an Arsenal player for a week now. Have you met your team-mates?
A few of them. Most of them are on international duty at the moment but I have trained with some of the younger lads and all of the staff apart from the manager who is away. It has been very positive.

Do you know any of the players on a personal level?
No. I knew Cesc a little bit because he is Spanish and Manuel Almunia just to say hello to when we play against each other, but not much.

How has training gone?
It was good. I only trained yesterday [Monday], but you can see that the ball is involved in every exercise, there is good tempo in training and I think it is good, very good.

Is it different to what you are used to?
At Everton I think we used to run a little bit more than what we do here, without the ball. But it has only been a day so it is hard to say. In the next few months I will be more suited to answer that question.

Is there any reason why you won't be available on Saturday?
No, I will be there.

What will you bring to this Arsenal team?
I hope to bring creativity, 100 per cent commitment, work and help the team to do better.

You are seen as a replacement for Fabregas or Nasri - do you see it like that?
No, I don't want to use the word replacement. They were two top players for the Club, they did really, really well in the last few years and now we have some new players coming in to try and make the same impact. I am sure we will. I don't want the fans to be expecting the same as them because every player is different. We need some time to adapt as well, but I am sure that we will give everything we can to make this team better.

What is your strongest position?
The manager asked me to play in every position [at Everton] and the good thing is to get different things from every position. I played a lot on the left, I played a lot in attacking midfield and I played in front of the back four as well. It depends what the manager wants here from me - I have not had a chance to speak to him about that yet.

This is a young squad so how can you help the younger players?
It is too early to say but I know what type of character I am and what I like done. Hopefully there are things which we can make sure we improve. I can advise and hopefully that is going to help them.

What have you made of Arsenal's Premier League campaign so far?
Well it is not the best of starts obviously. Looking at the other teams, at Manchester United and City, both have nine points already but it is early stages. The season is very long with the Premier League, Carling Cup, Champions League and FA Cup. There is still a lot of work to do, but we want to start winning on Saturday and get that right. From then hopefully everything is going to be more positive.

How strongly can Arsenal challenge for the title?
This club has to be there with them fighting until the very end, that is for sure. Nobody can be happy saying they are too good or have spent more money. We can fight, and I do not think that is the right mentality. We have unbelievable talent here and if we can use it the right way I am sure we can fight with them.

How will you feel if you make your debut on Saturday?
I am really excited. It has been a bit strange having been at the same club for six or seven years, and it is a big change. Even when you just put a different kit on. But I am so excited, I hope I can do my job well and if I have the chance to play, I will give everything.

Newly-promoted clubs are difficult to play at this stage, aren't they?
I agree. They have got no fear and they will come here thinking, 'if we get something it will be unbelievable.' It is a big risk so we need to handle the pressure and be patient, because obviously the fans want to see us winning now and we need to know how to manage the situation.

Will you have any nerves?
There are no nerves, just excitement. For me it is a great opportunity, a big challenge and I want to take it and enjoy every minute. That is what I am going to try and do.

http://www.arsenal.com/home

Cannot wait to see him in action.

ARTETA <3

MJGunner wrote:Cannot wait to see him in action.

MJGUNNER <3

We all are exited about the new team, and Arteta will feed RVP goal after goal.

Raptorgunner wrote:We all are exited about the new team, and Arteta will feed RVP goal after goal.

Be hold !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!The great Raptor gunner has just spoken "THE ULTIMATE TRUTH" !!!!!!!!!

usman111 wrote:

Raptorgunner wrote:We all are exited about the new team, and Arteta will feed RVP goal after goal.

Be hold !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!The great Raptor gunner has just spoken "THE ULTIMATE TRUTH" !!!!!!!!!

he sees the light because he has believed in me and I am psychic and am bringing Arsenal trophies

Raptorgunner wrote:We all are exited about the new team, and Arteta will feed RVP goal after goal.

i love your optimism

ali8775 wrote:he sees the light because he has believed in me and I am psychic and am bringing Arsenal trophies

emirates is cursed by A ghost name emirates who lives on the pitch and doesn't want arsenal to win any trophy and likes the emirates cup only

Very down to earth guy, it seems. I like it.

Sushi Master wrote:Very down to earth guy, it seems. I like it.

Commitment :!:

He will work to prove other wrong about him, in his mind I know he wants to be better then Cesc for us.

Raptorgunner wrote:We all are exited about the new team, and Arteta will feed RVP goal after goal.

RVP: Omnomnom goal.

Really excited to see Arteta in our midfield. Brings good premier league experience and quality

yay, Arteta!



IN ALI WE TRUST.

lenear1030 wrote:yay, Arteta!



IN ALI WE TRUST.

"We didn't get many pictures of him on the television, but Adams was a legend here. He is a special one for me," Mertesacker told the club's official website.

"When I was looking at English football I always looked to Arsenal and he was one of the great defenders when I was 10 or 12 years old. I like the players [like Adams] very much - I have enjoyed seeing them over the years.

"I hope I can improve my performances here and get better and better - I want to be useful for the team."

The best thing about this team is everyone wants to be here and fight for the team.

I'm feeling all warm and fuzzy right now. Let's kill Swansea

Ali will bring us endless trophies. The future starts NOW!!

The best thing is we can go all out and have song and gervinho back for the CL.

I have a feeling Arteta will take it up a notch. He has said this is this "last chance to show the world what he is made up of". I expect beastly performances.

Ali the Deliver...If we get a get a bad result 2mr beware. we'll be on your back.

usman111 wrote:

ali8775 wrote:he sees the light because he has believed in me and I am psychic and am bringing Arsenal trophies

emirates is cursed by A ghost name emirates who lives on the pitch and doesn't want arsenal to win any trophy and likes the emirates cup only

I will exterminate him...but I must have your trust.

lenear1030 wrote:yay, Arteta!



IN ALI WE TRUST.

Another follower...yes...grow like a virus...we will take over the world.