Arsenal defender Pablo Mari has compared Mikel Arteta to Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola.
Mari was Arteta's first signing at the Emirates Stadium, joining the Gunners back in January 2020 to help shore up a leaky backline that consisted of David Luiz and Shkodran Mustafi.
It was highly publicised that the Spanish coach liked Mari as he wanted a left-footed centre-back to help increase passing angles during the build-up phase.
However, just seven months later, the north Londoners had splashed £25million on another left-footed centre-half in the form of talented youngster Gabriel Magalhaes, who quickly usurped Mari from the starting XI.
The former Flamengo star then decided that it would be best to leave the club last month before joining Serie A outfit Udinese on loan until the end of the current campaign, delivering a solid display on his debut as the Italian's defeated Torino 2-0 on Sunday evening.
Now, Mari has spoken about his lack of luck with the Gunners, claiming that he believed he was playing well when given the chance in the starting line-up.
"I haven’t had any luck at Arsenal, but when I’ve been on the pitch, I think I’ve given a very good level. In the end, there comes a point where you have to make decisions", he told Radio Marca.
The 28-year-old then went on to heap praise on Arteta's coaching ability, likening him to former Barcelona boss Guardiola.
He continued: "Arteta is one of the best managers I’ve come across.
"He helped me a lot to understand football better. It’s an idea very similar to Guardiola’s, but with its nuances.”
