Pep Guardiola has said that he's sure that Mikel Arteta is ready for the task at hand at Arsenal.
The big news that Gunners supporters were waiting for was finally confirmed on Friday afternoon.
Arteta is the new Arsenal head coach, succeeding Unai Emery who was sacked three weeks ago following a poor run of form, and has signed a three-and-a-half year deal at the Emirates Stadium.
With no managerial experience up his sleeve, the former Gunners midfielder's appointment has split opinions amongst supporters and media alike.
But the 37-year-old is looking forward to the challenge that awaits him in north London.
It's no secret that Arteta has a massive task on his hands in attempting to restore the Gunners as a top four club as well as challenging for the Premier League title in the near future.
A task which he's ready for, according to Guardiola.
"Mikel has been an excellent coach for Manchester City," Guardiola told the Man City website.
"He has shown impressive dedication, hard work and knowledge of football during his time here and has been a real contributor to the Club’s achievements over the past years.
"We all wish him well in his new role; I am sure he is ready for it."
Arteta's first game in charge will be against his other former club Everton at Saturday lunchtime.
Although it is unclear yet whether he will be in the stands or the dugout for the clash at Goodison Park.
Regardless of that, the Spaniard has said he's delighted to be back at Arsenal.
"This is a huge honour. Arsenal is one of the biggest clubs in the world," he told Arsenal.com. We need to be competing for the top trophies in the game and that’s been made very clear to me in my discussions with Stan and Josh Kroenke, and the senior people from the club.
"We all know there is a lot of work to be done to achieve that but I am confident we'll do it.
"I’m realistic enough to know it won't happen overnight but the current squad has plenty of talent and there is a great pipeline of young players coming through from the academy."
