Mikel Arteta is currently scaling the high heights towards English Premier League glory - but it's Rangers who provided him with some of his early footballing moments of joy.
The Arsenal boss has guided the Gunners on an oustanding season that has them in a strong position to win the English top flight for the first time since 2004. He spent two years in Glasgow between 2002-2004 after coming through Barcelona's esteemed academy and having a loan at PSG, making memories like a goal on his derby debut against Celtic on top of a domestic treble.
Scotland's fierce derby has stuck with the Spaniard almost 20 years since his exit and he admits getting thrown into the Glasgow rivalry left him stunned. Arteta told Rangers Museum: “I was shocked in my first Old Firm derby but I managed to score. The intensity, the passion and the atmosphere in the stadium was superb. I always say I have never played in derbies like this. Lots of aggression, commitment and passion from the players, there are a lot of things that make the game special.
“We lost in Europe early on that season and that was disappointing but we concentrated on the other games and won the Treble. We had a big rival in Celtic and they had a good team who had played together for many years. But we won the first trophy by beating them in the League Cup and that sent a message that we wanted to win absolutely everything. That win gave us confidence and a boost for the rest of the season."
It's a place associated with happy memories for Arteta. That forms the reason over his glowing recommendations whenever someone mentions a move north. He added: “Some people were saying, ‘Why are you going to Scotland?’ but I am so proud I played there and so proud of what I learned there. I had great moments and met some really nice people. I learned from big players and lived in a culture that for me was unbelievable.
“I thought Rangers would suit me so I made the decision to move. Everybody was very helpful at the club, I was young and knew it was a big move for me, I wanted to control the circumstances as much as possible. In my opinion the best way to do that was to feel settled and feel at home so my family came with me and gave me that security. They helped me in the process to adapt to a new culture and language and to play in a different league.
“I loved Glasgow, I always recommend it to people to move there if they have the chance. They will be surprised, it’s hard to find people as passionate as loyal and as open as the people in Scotland and Glasgow in particular. I always felt very welcome and I had the support behind me. I had a great time there."
