Arsenal’s stunning 2-1 victory over Real Madrid in the Champions League quarter-finals on Wednesday night marked a historic milestone for the Gunners, sending them into the semi-finals for only the third time in their history.
Goals from Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli secured the win, with Arsenal displaying resilience despite injuries to key players.
However, what added an intriguing layer to the night was a phone call from Mikel Arteta to Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola just hours before the match at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Arteta, who was Guardiola’s assistant at City before taking the reins at Arsenal in 2019, revealed that he spoke to the Spanish coach for advice and support.
In his post-match interview, Arteta shared the emotional significance of the conversation: “I called him this morning because I am here thanks to him.
As a player and a coach, he has been an inspiration to me. I had four amazing years with him, and I will always be grateful to him.”
This heartfelt tribute to Guardiola highlights the strong bond between the two, with Arteta acknowledging that his journey as both a player and a manager owes much to his mentor.
The call was not just a personal gesture but also a reflection of the close relationship that has shaped Arteta’s coaching philosophy.
Guardiola, who is renowned for his tactical expertise, has been a key influence on Arteta’s development, and the phone call served as a reminder of the depth of their professional and personal connection.
Arteta’s pride in Arsenal’s performance was evident after the match. “Probably not [felt prouder of my players], not only because we’re in the semi-final, but also for the manner in which we did it, considering the amount of injuries,” he said, emphasizing the resilience and character of his team.
With the win, Arsenal will now face Paris Saint-Germain in the semi-finals, with the first leg scheduled for April 29 at the Emirates.
For Arteta, this victory represents not just a tactical success, but a moment to reflect on how far he has come, with a little help from his former mentor.
