Mikel Arteta has again opened the door for Arsene Wenger to return to Arsenal and admits he hopes it happens soon.
The legendary former Gunners boss called time on his managerial career in 2018, after more than 22 years at the helm. During that time, he won three Premier League titles and masterminded the Invincibles side which went unbeaten throughout the 2003/04 season.
However, since retiring, the Frenchman hasn’t been back to the Emirates to watch Arsenal play and has kept out of the way as Unai Emery, and then Arteta attempt to replicate his successes.
The latest man in the Emirates dugout has been public with his desire for Wenger to return to the club - in whatever capacity he wishes and has again banged the drum claiming ‘every window and door is open’ for him.
“I would love to [see him back], I think he has explained it,” he said in his pre-match press conference. “I think he has every window, every door in this football club open whenever he is ready and whenever he feels is the right moment to do so.
“He knows that from my side and he knows that from many other people at the football club. And hopefully that will happen soon, because I think he will inspire and a lot of people are going to be so happy to see him back.”
The 72-year-old, who is currently working as FIFA’s Chief of Global Football Development, has spoken candidly about the end of his Arsenal reign and the divisive nature around his departure. He has also revealed he is yet to return to the club, feeling his presence may have created an unnecessary issue for the current regime.
At the launch of former Arsenal chairman and Wenger's close friend David Dein's book, the Arsenal legend explained: "No, I haven't been there, I think you know after 22 years maybe I arrived at the end of the road and people wanted a change, I can understand.
"I must say I was always loyal to the club and turned many many clubs down because I felt like my life was linked with the club. The club has chosen a different direction, that I can understand completely and sometimes you need to change completely and have a new start.
"My presence there could have been a problem, so I stay away completely and give the club the chance to rebuild a new connection with the new manager and that's why I never talked about Arsenal, never came back to Arsenal because I didn't want to be a presence that is not maybe not good for the club."
Arteta was speaking as his side prepared for the trip to face Brentford this weekend. Under the Spaniard, the Gunners won their first five Premier League games of the season for the first time since Wenger’s side managed it in 2004.
