Mikel Arteta says he was set to leave Manchester City to become Arsenal's next manager but stopped himself as he didn't feel it was the right time to take the leap.
Arteta emerged as a favourite for the top job at the Emirates following Arsene Wenger's departure and was expected to take the reins.
But Unai Emery was offered the job in the eleventh hour after interviewing well, and was subsequently named Arsenal's next boss.
Arteta remained in his post as Pep Guardiola's assistant at Manchester City, but was linked with the vacant managerial position at Newcastle at the start of this season.
The Spaniard turned down both jobs, but recently revealed how close he was to joining Arsenal and ultimately why he opted against doing so.
Arteta told SER Catalunya: "I was about to leave [for Arsenal], but I stopped myself. The first [time] was different, the second [Newcastle] was mostly me.
"Firstly, that I am not in a hurry and I have not felt that I need to take the step.
"There are important conditions, especially in a first experience for me that are vital and eventually. I learned that these are essential to develop what you want, no matter how clear your vision is.
"And the third is a matter of loyalty, when you promise someone to continue next year, with little time to manoeuvre, it was not appropriate to make that decision.
"And because I think we still have that space for improvement and that ambition to be able to do something we dream of, which is to win the Champions League.
"That work remains to be done. Winning the four domestic titles is something that nobody had done before and we did that with players who have a lot of development and improvement potential.
"And a group in which I am super comfortable. We have a staff environment where we are challenged daily but at the same time we have a very good human collective.
"And you are comfortable and have fun, and every day this good atmosphere helps a lot."
