Arteta says conscience is clear over Man City's Premier League rule-breaching era

Mikel Arteta has declared his conscience is clear over Manchester City’s Premier League rule-breaching case, delivering a one-word answer — “Yes” — when asked directly whether he had any concerns about his time as Pep Guardiola’s assistant at the Etihad Stadium.

City were found guilty of breaching Premier League spending rules across the period from 2009 to 2018, a window that overlaps with two of the three-and-a-half years Arteta spent at the club before taking over as Arsenal manager in December 2019. During that period, City won two Premier League titles and a domestic Treble.

Arteta had largely avoided commenting on the case while his managerial rivals weighed in, but he addressed it directly in a press conference, stressing that Arsenal’s position is to stay silent until proceedings are fully concluded. City have since launched an appeal against the guilty verdict, which found the club had made “sham” deals among the 115 charges brought against them.

“I think it’s very important that we respect the process, the timelines, and it’s still an ongoing process that is not resolved because it’s been appealed,” Arteta said. “My position, and I think the club’s position, is not to make any further comments until this is fully resolved.”

Arteta acknowledged the drawn-out nature of the saga, which has now spanned several years, and said he would speak with greater candour once a final resolution is reached. “When it is resolved I can talk with clarity and tell you exactly how I feel,” he added.

Four clubs — Arsenal, Manchester United, Liverpool and Tottenham — have reserved the right to pursue further legal action for damages, and there are significant concerns that City’s appeal could extend well beyond the current season.

For now, Arteta insists Arsenal’s energy remains directed inward. “We control our accelerator, and believe me, for seven years, it’s been full gas in everything that we can do,” he said. “This is something that’s not in our hands. In our hands is the way we have prepared. That’s where the focus has been.”