Football
Kevin Palmer 10y

Mikel Arteta says Mauricio Pochettino was his mentor while at PSG

Arsenal captain Mikel Arteta has revealed that recently appointed Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino was a mentor for him in his formative days at Paris Saint-Germain.

Arteta will look to ruin Pochettino's first north London derby when he takes his Spurs side to Emirates Stadium on Saturday, but the duo have a strong bond that dates back many years.

"We played together at Paris Saint-Germain. He was the captain for them when I started my career, he really looked after me," Arteta is quoted in the Daily Mirror.

"He was like a dad, even if he doesn't like that word but he really looked after me. I always appreciate what he did for me when I started my career, all the advice that he gave me. He has been a top person in my career."

Pochettino returned the compliments towards Arteta, as he told reporters at Tottenham's training base that he developed a special bond with the youthful Spanish midfielder.

"I was captain at PSG, he came from Barcelona," stated the Tottenham head coach. "He was like my brother. I love Mikel Arteta, I know he is in another side, the big sporting enemy but I love Mikel because he is a great person."

Pochettino went on to insists a game against Arsenal is not just another Premier League match for his players, as he urged them to raise their game in a fixture that means so much to the club's supporters.

"This is not just another game, it's impossible it's another game, I know the feeling of our supporters, we need to relay this feeling on the pitch," he added. "It's our responsibility to fight in every ball. If we fight the result may arrive for us but we need to fight in the game. Our supporters expect that of us."

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