Mikel Arteta has said it is a privilege to compete against close friend Andoni Iraola, as Arsenal prepare to face Liverpool in the Premier League.
Arteta and Iraola are friends from childhood and grew up playing for the same youth side, Antiguoko, in San Sebastien. After professional playing careers, each have taken the step into management and are now direct rivals in the Premier League.
Iraola’s appointment at Liverpool in the summer has now put him in competition with Areta for major trophies, with the Reds out to close the gap to the top this afternoon by beating the reigning champions.
Arsenal can replace Manchester City in top spot with a positive result, and Arteta discussed the uniqueness of facing a childhood friend on the biggest stage in English football.
“It’s a privilege,” he said in his press conference.
“Someone who has been your teammate, that you spent so many beautiful moments together when we were younger. To be facing each other, to be close, massive clubs in this country, in Europe, in a big match like this, it’s a blessing.
“I think all the top clubs are certainly title challengers, and it’s so early in the season, when you look at the squad, the manager that they have and the history for sure, that is. We expect a big game on Sunday; we’re looking forward to it for sure. It’s been 14 years since we last won there, so it’s time to do it.”
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