Mikel Arteta ‘upset’ over Barcelona links: ‘Totally fake news’
Arteta had been linked with the Catalan club after Xavi announced his departure
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Mikel Arteta has described stories linking him with Barcelona as “totally fake news” with the Spanish manager vowing not to leave Arsenal.
Reports in Spain had suggested that Arteta could be a candidate to replace Xavi after the Barcelona boss announced that he would be stepping away at the end of the season.
The Arsenal manager spent time in the Catalan club’s academy as a youngster, and has impressed since taking charge at the Emirates Stadium, pushing Manchester City close last season.
Issuing a strong denial of the rumours, Arteta insisted that he wants to keep building his Arsenal project.
“That’s totally fake news,” Arteta said when asked if he would be leaving the club in the summer. “I don’t know where it is coming from.
“It’s totally untrue. I’m really upset about it. I could not believe it. They have no source, nothing.
“I think you have to be very cautious when you talk about personal things. I am in the right place, I am with the right people, I feel really good about it.
“I’m immersed in a beautiful journey with this football club, with these players and the staff. There is still a lot to do.”
Xavi’s shock announcement that he would be leaving the club he represented with distinction as a player comes less than a year after leading Barcelona to La Liga triumph.
Their domestic crown was the club’s first in four years, and the first since the departure of Lionel Messi.
The 44-year-old has struggled to repeat that success this term, though, with a number of challenges on and off the field.
A 5-3 defeat to Villarreal means they now trail league leaders Girona by eleven points, with Real Madrid ten points ahead of their rivals.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments