Arsenal full-back Hector Bellerin has hailed departing club captain Mikel Arteta as “like a father” to him.
The midfielder’s contract in North London expires this summer and Arteta will end his five-year stint with the Gunners following a few years that have been plagued by injuries.
The former Everton star played just nine games in the Premier League this season, while he only appeared on seven occasions last year. And as the Spaniard prepares to depart Arsenal, Bellerin has paid tribute to his compatriot.
“What a way to finish!! Good luck in the future Mikel! Been like a father to me throughout my time at Arsenal!” Bellerin wrote on Twitter on Sunday.
Having missed 23 of their last 24 Premier League matches, Arteta made it onto the pitch at the Emirates for the club’s final fixture of the season at the weekend, helping to beat Aston Villa 4-0.
In total this season, he completed 88% of his passes and created one chance while he also hit his only shot on target.
The Spaniard also won eight out of 15 attempted tackles and eight of 12 headed duels, while also averaging two defensive actions per game all season.
Arteta has been linked with a move to Manchester City having been offered a contract by Pep Guardiola to take a job as a coach.
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