Mikel Arteta

Mikel Arteta was born on 26 March 1982 in San Sebastián, Spain. His football career began in Antiguoko, where he made friends with Xabi Alonso. They often kicked a ball around the beaches of the town they lived in and dreamed about playing for Real Sociedad. At the age of 15, Arteta went to Barcelona B and Xabi already signed a contract with the team of his dream.

Despite his talent and potential, Mikel did not manage to get to the first team and that is why he went on loan to Paris Saint-Germain in 2000. In 2002 he moved to Rangers, helped the club to lift the Scottish Cup, the Scottish League Cup and to win the Scottish Premier League (2003).

Besides, Arteta became a regular of the main team and one of the fan’s favourites. However, several injuries, homesickness and regress in shape brought troubles during the second season and he had to sign for another club.

Mikel joined Real Sociedad in 2004 for €5.2 million so that he could play with his friend Alonso, but Xabi went to Liverpool and Arteta failed to become a regular in the new team.

Later the footballer transferred to Everton where he made a successful run. On 31 August 2011, London side Arsenal became the new team for Mikel. His joining cost £10 million and the contract was signed for four years. The negotiations were long and hard, because Everton did not want to let Arteta go and the footballer’s agent requested a very high salary for Arteta. Later Mikel asked to sell him to Arsenal and agreed to lower his initial wage requirements by £20,000 (at the beginning that was £90,000). That transfer was the last one for the player.