Mikel Arteta has no regrets about missing out on the Arsenal job - insisting he is working with the best players in the world at Manchester City.
Pep Guardiola’s assistant was one of the leading candidates to succeed Arsene Wenger in the summer - but was ultimately beaten to the job by Unai Emery.
After brushing off that disappointment Arteta is convinced he can be part of a Champions League winning side at City this season.
Addressing Arsenal interest for the first time on Tuesday, the Spaniard said: “The decision was made and I am so happy the decision was made.
“I am privileged to be where I am. I feel very fulfilled. If you ask, one day in the future, will I be a coach? The answer is probably yes.
“But I am very happy where I am and there is still a lot of room for this club to grow.”
Arteta will be in charge when City begin this season’s Champions League campaign against Lyon on Wednesday, with Guardiola serving a one-match suspension after being sent to the stands during their quarter final defeat to Liverpool in April.
Elimination from Europe was Guardiola’s biggest disappointment in a season that saw City win the title with a record 100 points.
Arteta is convinced the Premier League champions are serious contenders again.
“For me we have the best players in the world and I look at our players as if they are the best,” he added. “I wouldn’t change my players for any others. They are absolutely fantastic.
“For me we have the best players in the world and I look at our players as if they are the best,” he said. “I look at the players, I see how they behave, how they react. The positives, negatives, their qualities and weaknesses.
“I wouldn’t change my players for any others. They are absolutely fantastic, the hunger in this group is incredible.
“People talk about money to spend. But people have to look inside this club, what we have created, it’s phenomenal.”
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