Mikel Arteta claims his conscience is clear regarding Manchester City’s Premier League rule breaches that occurred while he served as the club’s assistant manager.
The Arsenal manager was on Pep Guardiola’s staff from 2016 to 2019, a span that coincides with the nine seasons in which City were found to have broken regulations and hidden over £830 million in illicit funding.
During his first press conference since the verdict – which the club is now appealing – Arteta sidestepped the issue, saying he wanted to “respect” the ongoing procedure.
After more than thirty minutes of probing, the reporter finally asked: “You spent three and a half years at City in a senior role; is your conscience clear?”
Yes.
That single word may have spoken louder than any elaborate statement.
It was the only moment the Spaniard broke from his usual refrain of withholding comment until a final ruling.
He never became confrontational, yet it was evident he arrived at the Emirates with a firm line he intended to keep.
When pressed about speaking with Guardiola, he replied, “I prefer not to answer those questions.”
Arteta was then asked to react to the damning independent‑commission report that uncovered City’s “sham contracts” with various commercial partners.
He responded, “I fully understand the query, but I think it’s vital we respect the process, the timelines, and remember the appeal is still pending.”
“My stance, and the club’s, is to hold further remarks until the matter is completely resolved.”
When queried whether the appeal and sanction must be settled this season to protect the Premier League’s integrity, he said, “Those responsible will manage the process, reach the right conclusions, and I’m confident it will be resolved properly. We have to trust that.”
He also asserted he is 100 % convinced the Premier League remains the world’s best competition.
For my money, Arteta’s measured silence shows he values stability over speculation. With Arsenal just three points off leaders City, can they keep the pressure on and mount a title charge this season?