Mikel Arteta has admitted he's visited Pep Guardiola's house for dinner, although the Arsenal boss was unwilling to divulge too much information about their meal.
Arteta was Guardiola's assistant at Manchester City between July 2016 and December 2019, helping them win two Premier League titles, two EFL Cups and the FA Cup. The two first met at Barcelona when Guardiola was a player and Arteta was in the academy.
The two have maintained a relationship since then and Sky Sports were keen to know whether Arteta has ever been to Guardiola's house for dinner. "I have," admitted the Gunners manager, but he didn't confirm whether that was in the last two years.
When asked if Guardiola is a good cook, Arteta replied: "Very good. He can cook." The Spaniard was then quizzed on the Man City manager's signature dish, to which he replied: "Rice and really good starters." What goes with the rice remains confidential.
The final food related question was on Arteta's cooking skills. "I have a few I can cook," came the confident reply. He then revealed his favourite cooking activity is hosting a barbeque, admitting his most recent event was just two days before the interview.
"The thing that relaxes me more is when I cook in a barbeque," added Arteta. "So the whole process of building the fire and doing that and taking time and different meats and serving to people and having people around the barbeque and chatting is what I enjoy most."
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Guardiola has always defended Arteta's coaching ability, even when he's struggled at Arsenal. After winning the FA Cup and Community Shield in his first eight months as a manager, Arteta could only guide the Gunners to eighth last term.
Thousands of Arsenal were calling for him to be sacked in August after Arsenal lost their first three Premier League games of the season - the latter being a 5-0 defeat to City - yet Guardiola was keen to support his ex-colleague before the thumping.
"Two games," said Guardiola. "They have played two games, not 20 or 50. Sometimes I think the managers are crazy to do the job. They trust a lot in Mikel because they spent money to reinforce the team. Why we do't give more time to build teams... you need time."
Since then, Arteta has guided Arsenal up the table. They're currently fourth in the Premier League, four points clear of Manchester United with a game in hand. Champions League qualification would be viewed as a huge success for the Gunners this term.
Ahead of City's game against Arsenal in January, Guardiola said: "I would say Mikel is the most important player they have. I know his charisma and ideas and especially, his personality to do what he believes is the best for the team and the club."
The City boss went on to say: "Since I arrived here, it is the best Arsenal I have ever seen in six seasons... the energy they are playing with and the good ideas that Mikel has. To settle something you need time and I have the feeling that he changed the team, the club."
