Mikel Arteta says Rio Ferdinand’s comments suggesting he would leave Arsenal to take the Manchester United didn’t annoy him.
With Erik ten Hag again coming under pressure at Old Trafford, Ferdinand claimed on his YouTube show FIVE the Gunners boss would not hesitate in walking away from the Emirates if United were ever to come calling for his services.
‘Arteta would leave Arsenal to join Man United, 100 per cent,’ Ferdinand said. ‘No one is saying it’s happening but if Man United in a wild dream said, “do you know what, Erik ten Hag, thank you” and then Man United say top of the list is Arteta.
‘Arteta is going in and saying to the lads, “listen guys, it’s been emotional but I’ve got to move, I’ve got to go’.’
Arteta was quizzed on Ferdinand’s comments as he addressed the media on Friday ahead of Monday night’s clash against Sheffield United.
Arteta insisted the comments were not frustrating to hear but did highlight the need for ‘positive’ punditry to be highlighted more often rather than ‘negative views’.
‘No, I think it’s part of our job that we are exposed to the media, to the pundits,’ Arteta said.
‘And they have their opinions. The only thing is that we normally highlight the ones that are not very positive.
‘So we highlight a lot of the time when they say great things, make great comments and great points and analyse things in a really good way and with a vision of someone who has the experience.
‘I think if we do this, it is much better. Sometimes, though, we focus too much on the negative views.’
Arteta’s current contract expires in the summer of 2025 but has persistently indicated he sees his long-term future in north London.
In January, both he and the club strongly dismissed suggestions he is being lined up for the Barcelona job with Xavi set to step down at the end of the season.
