Mikel Arteta confessed it was strange seeing Arsene Wenger back at Emirates Stadium after the Arsenal legend made his long-awaited return to the club.
Wenger, 73, was in attendance for the Gunners' stirring victory over West Ham on Boxing Day, during which they recovered from falling behind to win 3-1. It marked the first time the iconic Frenchman had been to the Emirates since he stepped down as Arsenal manager at the end of the 2017/18 season, following 22 years in charge.
Fans gradually began to turn on Wenger towards the end of his tenure due to the club's lack of Premier League success since the 2003/04 campaign. Nonetheless, he remains a legendary figure in the Premier League annals and received a warm reception from supporters who spotted him at the Emirates.
Speaking ahead of Arsenal's FA Cup third-round clash against Oxford United on Monday night, Arteta revealed Wenger also paid a visit to the dressing room where he gave so many team talks during his own management days. The Spaniard, who played under Wenger for five years during his time as a Gunners midfielder between 2011 and 2016, admitted it was a "weird" but "beautiful" experience having his old gaffer around the squad.
"You could feel that he was emotional, that he really enjoyed [it]," Arteta said on ITV of Wenger's return to the Emirates. "And I think he felt the love from everybody at the football club, the appreciation of what he's done. And it was weird to see him around the dressing room, but at the same time, it was a beautiful day for everybody."
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Wenger won three Premier League titles as Arsenal manager, whereas Arteta is still finding his way after he was appointed Arsenal boss in December 2019 - his first senior management role. However, there is growing hope he could be the man to end the Gunners' wait for a league title.
Arteta has led Arsenal to a five-point lead in the Premier League table as the season approaches its midpoint. Understandably, the mood around the club has been buoyant, and Arteta added: " That is one of the things I am most proud of.
"The way everybody has contributed in this football club to get everybody together. To be a part of it and feel really attached and belonging to what we are doing, and that is credit to every member of this football club. I believed that was the biggest platform to build anything and be what this club deserves, and everybody has contributed to that in a big way and I am happy everybody is feeling that way."
