Arteta looks ahead after farewell

Mikel Arteta is looking forward to the next chapter in his career after calling it a day as a player following Arsenal’s 4-0 victory over Aston Villa.

The 34-year-old Spanish midfielder came off the bench as a late substitute for the Gunners against Villa on Sunday and afterwards revealed he is now “99 per cent” retired as a player.

Arteta burst into tears when the full-time whistle was blown before explaining why.

“It was unbelievable because the last few months have been really difficult and I have been through a difficult position as well with my role in the team,” he said.

“To have the opportunity to say goodbye and 99 per cent to say goodbye to the sport that I love is very hard, but my taste of it can’t get better than today. A big thank you to everybody.”

Arteta, who joined Arsenal following a successful spell with Everton, won two FA Cups and two Community Shields with Arsene Wenger’s side but knew it was time to …

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