Long before signing lucrative contracts to manage Arsenal, Mikel Arteta grew up in the coastal city of San Sebastián, playing beach football with Xabi Alonso, before leaving home at age 15 to join Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy.
Despite his undeniable technical talent, Arteta struggled to break into Barcelona’s senior first team due to fierce midfield competition from players like Pep Guardiola and Xavi. This forced the young midfielder to seek playing opportunities abroad.
The Parisian Chapter and Scottish Success
Arteta packed his bags and moved to Paris Saint-Germain in 2001 on loan. There, he played under manager Luis Fernandez and shared a midfield with a young Ronaldinho.
His nomadic playing career later took him to Rangers, Real Sociedad, Everton, and eventually Arsenal, where he retired as club captain in May 2016.