Mikel Arteta Speaks Out After Manchester City Guilty Verdict

Arteta responds to City verdict

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta says his conscience is clear after his former club Manchester City were found guilty of breaking Premier League financial rules.

Arteta worked as an assistant to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City for three years before he joined Arsenal in 2019. An independent commission recently found City guilty of breaching more than 100 regulations between 2009 and 2018. City have launched an appeal against the decision.

Speaking during a news conference at Arsenal headquarters in London Colney, Arteta was asked directly if his conscience was clear. He answered simply with a yes. He stated that the legal process is still ongoing and called for people to respect it. He added that he can speak with clarity once everything is resolved.

Arteta also insisted that the Premier League remains 100% the best in the world despite the verdict. When asked if he had spoken to Guardiola since the ruling was released two weeks ago, Arteta preferred not to answer. He also refused to say if the decision gives Arsenal an advantage in the title race, noting that it is completely out of their hands.

Focus turns to Leeds match

Arsenal are aiming to retain the league this season. They host Leeds United at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday, looking to bounce back from a surprising 3-0 defeat against Brighton before the international break.

Arteta admitted that the pain from the Brighton loss is still in the tummy, but called the result a lesson for his squad.

The manager confirmed his commitment to Arsenal earlier this week by signing a new four year contract that keeps him at the club until 2030.